NEWS from
Summer 2008 www.ridley.cam.ac.uk
‘Boundless riches....’ I write this with only five weeks left as Principal. When it is published my seven years at Ridley Hall will be over, and I will have handed over the reins of leadership. It will not be easy to leave, having worked alongside so many good people. There’s plenty to look back on with joy, so forgive me for indulging in reminiscence. I joined Ridley when the last major review of theological education was getting under way. It felt as if the map of the training world was being rewritten. Was there a future for theological colleges as we knew them? Could two Anglican theological colleges survive in Cambridge? Would I be the twelfth and last Principal? Well, a lot of water has passed under that bridge. I hope that, together with colleagues in the Cambridge Theological Federation, we are carrying forward the Report’s best proposals, while showing that individual institutions, embodying particular styles and specialisms, have a long-term future. If the world of theological education was being reconstructed, the world itself seemed to be falling apart during my first few days. You see, I took over as Principal on 10th September 2001. On the 11th I knew, like most others, that the world could never be the same again. Neither would theological colleges. With the relationship between Islam and western culture, and religion and peace, thrust to the top of the world’s agenda, a major priority for the Church’s ministry in the 21st Century had been set. Rising to this challenge has not been easy, but it is essential for evangelical Christians to become thoroughly engaged in responsible encounters not only with Islamic theology, but with Muslim people. As well as what has gone on in the classroom, I am delighted we have had the opportunity to host visits of Muslim clerics and scholars from Al-Azhar University, Cairo, and groups of British imams and community leaders. They were fascinating chances to show and tell Sheikh Dr Ali Gomaa, the Grand Mufti of Egypt (right), the love of Christ. on his visit to the College
Looking back to see forward My students might say I became a little obsessed with Ridley’s history! My justification was the need to discern what God had been doing so that we could see what we were to do in the future. What were the Spirit’s gifts to the College and what was Ridley’s particular calling? Vital questions in any context of ministry and leadership. I am grateful to have been Principal during our 125th Anniversary Celebrations, and that they coincided with the 450th Anniversary of the martyrdom of Nicholas Ridley. Whether commemorating Ridley in the Tower of London with his episcopal heirs, celebrating the gos-
‘Lost & Found’ – Ridley’s celebration of the parable of the Prodigal through the arts
pel in the University’s Concert Hall under the brilliant direction of Jeremy Begbie, or welcoming John Stott back to College sixty years after he left, we were continually reminded of God’s faithfulness to Ridley Hall, and inspired for the 21st Century. It has been a great joy to build on the work of my immediate predecessors and see the College grow in numbers – independent students, youth ministry students, full-time residential ordinands and mixed-mode students for pioneer ministry. There are also
many more people knocking on our door for sabbatical study than we can accommodate, and the College is being heavily used for continuing education of Readers, Faith in Business conferences and by the Simeon Centre. It’s clear that we need some new buildings, and I am grateful to the Council, staff, students and benefactors for getting behind the vision of new space for a new century. There is almost enough pledged or in hand to begin the first phase, but this journey is far from over.
Irrepressible grace...and laughter Exciting as these developments are, three abiding memories, the greatest gifts of Ridley, go with me. The first is the people. It has been an extraordinary privilege to work with those called to ministry as clergy, youth workers, missionaries, and be with them during this formative stage of life. The greatest joy is to see God at work in people, and I have seen wonderful examples of the tender, powerful, irrepressible grace of God in men and women who have the potential to shape the life of church and nation. To share in shaping future leaders alongside an able and committed staff team has been a wonderful opportunity. Looking back, it is the laughter for which I am most grateful. Life in a theological college can be pretty pressurised. I treasure the friendship of colleagues and their capacity to stand back from things and just have a good old laugh together.
Snapshots of laughter through the years...! Top centre (for those who don’t know him): Handy Mole, presented to Chris Cocksworth by students, in recognition of his appreciation for Ridley’s first Principal.
On giants’ shoulders Then there are the principles. These principles have been embodied in a succession of Principals, and I know I have been standing on giants’ shoulders. The Principal who set the principles of Ridley into its DNA was, of course, Handley Moule, its first Principal. His commitment to what he called ‘Church Evangelicalism’, and his openness to the Spirit through involvement in the Keswick Movement, set Ridley on the course where it remains today. He was a convinced evangelical, holding deeply to the great gospel truths. These, he believed, included God’s gift of the life of the Church itself, and he was confident the gospel was expressed in the historic continuities and commitments of the Church of England. His renewing experience of the Spirit kept him open to the work of God in unexpected places, making him ready to change his mind and adapt his strategy when needed. Long may this generous, Spirit-open, Church-friendly form of evangelicalism last at Ridley Hall!
Enriched and enlivened Finally, there is the person on whom the College is founded, on whom it depends and whom it serves – Jesus Christ. I have known the faithfulness of the Lord of the Church and the Lord of the College during my days here. I have been taken more deeply into ‘the boundless riches of Christ’ (Ephesians 3:8). I leave confident that Christ and the unsurpassable grace of the gospel of Christ will remain the foundation of Ridley. I go, enlivened by Ridley Hall, determined to make known ‘Jesus Christ, and him crucified’ (1 Corinthians 2:2) in Coventry Diocese. n Chris Cocksworth, Principal 2001–2008 and Bishop Elect of Coventry
“Working with Chris has been one of the highlights of my time as Archdeacon. Aside from modelling a life of passionate worship, Chris has exhibited gracious and courageous leadership together with compassionate care for the Ridley community. Unsurprisingly, Coventry has become a soughtafter diocese for Ridley ordinands!” Nicholas McKee, Archdeacon 2007/8
“From the moment he arrived, Chris demonstrated a love for Ridley and its community that has been inspirational and infectious. His commitment to excellence, his warmth and pastoral heart together with his self-deprecating humour have made being a member of the staff team a rewarding privilege.” Revd Canon Jane Keiller, Chaplain
“Chris is a man of vision and a wise, caring leader. He always has time for people despite an enormous work load. Through it all he radiates the graciousness of God. It was a pleasure and a privilege to work with him on the Council.”
“It has been a great pleasure to chair the Council with Chris as Principal. His gentle manner, gracious humility, far-seeing vision and robust leadership have been a joy for all to see. Coventry are very fortunate to have him as their bishop.”
Mrs Patricia Sledge, Ridley Council Member 1981–2006
Bishop Graham Dow, Chair of Ridley Council
Mission to Mile-High City In September six students from Ridley and Dave Male, Tutor for Pioneer Ministry Training, head west on a ten day mission trip to Denver, Colorado. In the Mile High City (it’s a mile above sea level!) students will work principally with two churches in the heart of Denver. Scum of the Earth may seem an unusual name for a church but it’s not a typical church. It started with a small group meeting at the home of Mike Sares, and has become a large congregation based in downtown Denver led by Mike. Its name comes from 1 Corinthians 4:13, and its main focus is connecting with those at the edge of society. It attracts punks, skaters, ravers, the homeless and drug addicts, as well as students. Its name and mission has attracted media coverage throughout the States. It has also now started to plant churches in other American cities. Cont’d u
u The second church is very different, called Urban Skye, led by Dave Meserve, and is a network of small communities within the arts community of Denver. It developed from the work of a large Presbyterian Church. The small groups are connected by a common quest for friendship, personal meaning and spiritual exploration. The congregation’s stated aim is to revitalise the urban soul through pursuing beauty, learning grace and sharing lives.
Acting Principal’s column Times of transition remind us of how much we need the grace of God. They also give us opportunities for fresh testimony to his faithfulness.
I’m writing this in May as the Ridley community is preparing, studying and praying. Right now we are getting ready for a great celebration in June that has a twofold aim of joyfully commemorating Charlie Moule’s life of service with the start of an annual lecture series, and looking back with thanksgiving for the fine leadership of Chris Cocksworth as Ridley’s Principal over the last seven years. In anticipation of a decision by the Council at the end of May we have all been praying for the appointment of a new The visit has come out of a previ- Principal to succeed Chris. We are also continuing to pray for further ous visit to Denver by Dave Male financial support as the Council considers building more accommodaon his sabbatical two years ago tion and teaching space on the College grounds. which led to developing relationStudent and staff morale is high. For example, this morning Michael ships with both these churches Green has been visiting and speaking to us all, motivating the comand their leaders. munity to share the gospel in new ways. We’ve been delighted to have The students will be staying with Richard Bauckham join in the teaching, theological discussions and people from the churches as well fellowship this term as part of our regular team. We’ve admitted as getting fully involved in the a full complement of new students for life of each congregation. There next year and once will be opportunities to help with again have sadly had the activities of the two churchto turn some away es especially the work with the for lack of space. Unhomeless in the city centre, as der the leadership of well as mixing with church memSteve Griffiths, our bers and discovering what makes Centre for Youth Minthese churches tick. It is hoped istry is going from they will return to Cambridge exstrength to strength. cited, enthused by what God is As we prepare and doing and with tons of ideas for pray, by the grace of the future. God we’re on track to continue trainIt is also hoped that there will be ing people to share, an opportunity to visit a couple teach and live the of other churches including St good news of Jesus John’s Cathedral, which has reChrist. Please keep us cently started a fresh expression in your prayers. n A New Testament seminar type service. n being led by Richard Bauckham
Mike Thompson
A great scholar, a wonderful friend Professor C. F. D. Moule was involved with Ridley most of his life: as student, tutor, Vice-Principal, member and Chair of the Council, and after retirement, Scholar-in-Residence.
There were always visitors, who were always engaged in vigorous conversation. Despite growing deafness he remained alert to the end, interested in his friends’
The common space known as the Moule Hole is named after him, and he was an extraordinary link in the chain of history having personally known every one of the college’s twelve Principals. When Charlie Moule stepped down from the Lady Margaret Chair in 1976 and moved into the flat over the Principal’s Lodge, he described himself as feeling like a shrivelled pea in a splendid pod. For five years he became a much loved part-time member of staff. He shared in preaching and presiding in chapel and at the Federation eucharist, providing profound Bible readings, translating from his Greek New Testament as he went along. Charlie was immensely hospitable, and surprisingly at ease with children. He was also a punctilious correspondent, responding almost without fail by return – and every letter was handwritten. Of Charlie’s faith and concern This portrait by Charles White of Professor Charlie Moule for faithful, intelligent ministry there was no now hangs in the Moule Hole doubt. Carrying his learning lightly, he was ready to deploy it when asked, gently encouraging others with lives, studies and families. He good humour. When he felt they were mistaken he would diswould sometimes complain about agree with courtesy, often with something like ‘But don’t you falling asleep while reading – but think...’ While many lay store by their experiences of God Charthen many a fraction of his age lie would admit that he had never had any remarkable ‘spiritual doze over the Journal of Theologiexperience’, for his faith was founded on his conviction of the cal Studies! truth of the Gospel. We have lost a great scholar, a Moving to Pevensey in 1979 he left a college in infinitely better wonderful friend and a deeply shape, due not least to the assurance and stability he brought. committed brother in Christ, but In his new home he continued welcoming visitors, giving enthanks be to God for him. n couragement and wise counsel. While his strength lasted he The Revd Canon Dr Michael Sansom, St. continued to preach and speak, but when he could no longer Albans’ Diocesan Director of Ordinands, adequately care for himself he moved into residential care. Ridley Hall staff from 1976-1988
Ember List 2008 What is an ember list? Nothing to do with glowing embers, this draws on a tradition of Ember days, which were formely set aside by the Church for fasting and prayer, and considered especially appropriate for ordinations. With this pullout centrefold we invite you to pray for this year’s leavers as they prepare for their future ministry, whether it be in the world of work or in parish or youth ministry.
Gita Bond (formerly Chemistry Teacher)
Parish: Benefice of The Ramsays or St Thomas a Becket, St Mary’s & St Peter’s in Ramsey, Ely Diocese After 26 years of teaching, becoming a student again took some getting used to; learning to cycle and feast on puddings! Ridley has made me aware of the need to balance my prayer life with studying theology and caring for those around me. Now I’m excited about getting to know and serve the people of Ramsey, particularly seeing God’s plans unfold for Jim and me.
Ken Ashton
(formerly London Licensed Taxi Driver)
Parish: St Mary’s, Walthamstow, Chelmsford Diocese Peter stepped out of the boat and walked on water, he also nearly drowned. Ridley has been a place where the comfort of the boat has gone and despite feeling out of my depth, Jesus has offered His outstretched hand when sinking. I’m now really excited about working in Walthamstow E17, where I will be taking more water walking lessons. s: 17 Shernhall Street, Walthamstow, ess: ddres Addr London E17 3EU Tel: 0208 5091135
Rich Burley (formerly Marketing Officer)
Parish: St Mark’s Bilton, Coventry Diocese After three years at Ridley, forty essays and two degrees (nearly!) Mel and I look forward to returning to the West Midlands, to a new town (Rugby) in a familiar Diocese (Coventry). St Mark’s Bilton is a big, lively parish with plenty of opportunities to serve God and develop our gifts, under the guidance of our very own Bishop Cocksworth!
Simon Elliott (formerly Purchasing Assistant)
Parish: St Luke’s, Great Crosby, Liverpool Diocese After 3 enjoyable and challenging years at Ridley, Lisa and I are really looking forward to moving back to Liverpool to a busy and lively parish 6 miles north of the city centre. More importantly just a few miles from Anfield - home to my beloved L.F.C. We’re really excited about the opportunities and challenges God is leading us to there.
David Eastwood (formerly
Managing Partner of a law firm)
Parish: St Philip, Westbrook, War e ces Dio ol rington, Liverpo r, Following 28 years as a solicito look I ley, Rid at and 2 great years ol forward to serving in the Liverpo ds all my life. lan Mid the in d Diocese, having live
Anthony Hammill (and Judi)
) (formerly Policy Adviser, H.M. Treasury
David Green (and Kerry, Bethya, Nathanael & Bump) (formerly New Media Manager, Church House Publishing)
Parish: St Philip & St James, Rochester Diocese We’ve learnt much and laughed much in the midst of some difficulties and tears. Ridley will certainly not be forgotten. I feel privileged to have been a part of the next Bishop of Coventry’s final graduating class! Our next stop takes us back home to Kent and a church affectionately known locally as PipnJims.
Parish: St Mary the Virgin, Chalk, Rochester Diocese After 3 great years at Ridley, Judi and I will be moving back to Rochester Diocese where I will be curate at Chalk, on the edge of Gravesend. We are looking forward to being part of what God is doing in North Kent.
Jeremy Haswell
(formerly IT trainer)
Parish: St Paul’s, St Albans Our two years at Ridley have been a dream come true. It has been a rewarding and challenging time. Coming to college has confirmed how much we all need to rely upon the Grace of God. God is faithful, and his mercies are new every morning.
James Hill (and Anna)
(formerly Pastoral Assistant)
At the end of May, as I write this, we don’t yet know where we will be going. Please pray for our future parish that we may be faithful servants of God’s Kingdom there.
Clive Hogger
(formerly Community Mental Health Nurse)
Tina Hodgett (formerly Education Consultant)
Parish: St Mark’s, Bestwood Village & Emmanuel, Bestwood It’s been a rollercoaster ride with lots of challenge, excitement, laughter and stomachlurching moments. I’m looking forward to getting aboard the dodgems of parish life, hoping to avoid (inflicting?) too many bumps and bruises, and confident the God of hope will see me through all the thrills & spills to come. I’m grateful for all I’ve learnt.
Sylvester Liyanage
(formerly Church Mission Worker)
Parish: St Paul’s, Kingston Hill I came from Sri Lanka to Kingston. Ordination training brought me to Cambridge and Curacy is taking me back to Kingston. I had three fantastic years at Ridley where it has been a blessing to learn about Jesus and be part of a community full of faith and life! While in Cambridge I got married to Lovisa and we are excited to head back to Kingston.
Parish: St James, Fletchamstead, Coventry Diocese Some say that I am embarking on a busman’s holiday given my previous role as I am about to test the truth of the suggestion that one doesn’t need to be mad to go to church, but it helps. In truth, my time at Ridley has been a gift from God that has inspired me and I hope to share the blessings in my new post.
Sam Leach (formerly Link Worker in
refuge for families fleeing domestic abuse)
Parish: St Pauls, Walsall, Lichfield diocese After three great years at Ridley I am leaving the West country and moving to Walsall where I will be serving my title post at St Paul’s, the Crossing, in the city centre. I’m marrying a wonderful woman called Jo in July then being ordained in September. I have grown so much over my time here and am excited, by the months and years that lie ahead.
Sarah Lawrence
(formerly Youthworker)
Parish: The Car Dyke group, Lincoln Diocese Having spent five years in the Ridley community – two as a spouse and three as an ordinand – it’s sad to be leaving, but we are looking forward to new opportunities for ministry in Lincolnshire.
Alan Maxwell (formerly Medical Physicist) Parish: All Saints, Gosforth, Newcastle Diocese After three years at Ridley we’re looking forward to heading back up north, to a suburban parish in Newcastle upon Tyne. We have made a lot of great friends during our time at Ridley and look forward to keeping in touch with people all over the country, especially the growing number who will be in the north.
Nick McKee (formerly Marketing Manager)
Catherine McBride
(formerly in Pharmaceutical Regulatory Affairs)
Parish: Holy Trinity, Meole Brace, Lichfield Diocese Won’t miss: the eccentricities of H staircase plumbing or the intricacies of the dining hall booking system! Will miss: the staff and students, of diverse traditions, who have challenged and inspired me with their values, vision and creativity. And next: a lively, community-focused church on the outskirts of Shrewsbury, where I’m looking forward to seeing how God will use me.
Parish: St James & Emmanuel, Didsbury, Manchester Diocese We’ve had a great time during our three years within the Ridley community. We’ve made new friends, learned many new things and will cherish many memories of our time here. However, we’re excited to be heading up to Manchester where we to St J&E which is in the midst of and have some old friends ments. some exciting develop
Rob O’Neill
(formerly IT Project Manager) It’s been a joy and a privilege to have spent two years at Ridley learning, training and seeing God do new things in my life. I’m expecting to be an NSM curate this year and to move into a full time post in 2009. In the meantime, the world of work awaits and I am eagerly anticipating many God-given opportunities to witness to his wonderful love and grace.
Edward (Eddie) Scrase-Field (formerly Higher Brian Streeter
(formerly Company Director, Software Development)
Parish: St Mary (Applethwaite), Windermere, & Jesus Church, Troutbeck, Carlisle Diocese Not wishing to sound like the acceptance speech for an Oscar, just a big thank you to all who have made up the Ridley community while I have been here – and many blessings to Chris and family. God has been generous in putting me in Windermere, and in similar fashion all are welcome to holiday or use the parking space!
Scientific Officer with DEFRA; Research Scientist) Parish: St James, Denton Holme, Carlisle Diocese I’m very grateful to the Lord for my time in Cambridge. We are very excited by the opportunity to serve in Carlisle and to spread the good news of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Soli Deo gloria!
Julia Taylor (formerly Church Administrator)
Parish: St Michael and All Angels, Penkridge, Lichfield Diocese I can’t quite believe my two years at Ridley are almost over. It’s been incredible, challenging, life-giving, fun, and not a little tiring! I imagine I’ll draw on the rich blessing of this time for years to come, not least as I head off on the next exciting adventure...serving my curacy in the new and as yet unfamiliar Black Country.
Mike Terry (formerly Commander Royal Navy)
Parish: St John the Evangelist, Fareham Having completed two years of my intended one at Ridley, I leave much enriched in friendship, fellowship, knowledge and....God! I don’t yet know what the future holds as BAP is in May ‘08 but I shall return to Fareham initially to start work with various miliGod... tary fellowship charities. Back to my roots! But onwards and upwards with
Olaf Trelenberg
(formerly Caretaker)
Parish: St Paul’s Church, Scotforth, Blackburn Diocese Even though it turned out to be tougher than expected to remint a good old German Mark-coin...alas the work is done. Let’s start spending.
Diane Whittaker (formerly Software Consultant) Parish: Welwyn Team Ministry, St Albans Diocese After a very hectic year at Ridley Hall, finishing my training for ordination, I am very much looking forward to the joys and challenges of ordained ministry.
Tim Yau
(formerly Youth Worker)
Robert Wynford-Harris (formerly Parish Assistant)
Parish: Great St Mary’s, Sawbridgeworth, St Alban’s Diocese Rob and Anthea are very much looking forward to getting to know their respective title-parishes in Sawbridgeworth and Thorley, and hope to be able to give news soon of a date for their wedding! For Rob his time at Ridley has been a wonderful experience and he will continue to cherish the friendships he has made there and the learning and worship shared in the Ridley community.
Into the future... Please pray for final year students at the Centre for Youth Ministry as they leave to take up future posts in youth ministry (given where known). Zoe Allen (St Paul’s, Sutton); Clare Bissell; Emma Brown (Stonegrove & Spur Estate, Edgware); Sharon Brown; Kirsty-Anne Coldwell (Leveltwo Youth project, Felixstowe); Chloe Cottrell; Katie Cross (Christ Church, Bayston Hill); Elana Cuyler (Chafford Hundred Community Church); Dan Drew (Christchurch, Hitchin); Sarah Hackett; Rebecca Hamer (STEP, St Albans); Stuart Hassard (All Saints’, Woodford Wells); Toby Johnston; Lucy O’Neill; David Pambakian; Phil Thompson; Rachel Whybrew (Ignite, Harrow).
Parish: Christ the Servant King, Farcet Hampton, Ely Diocese Daunted by the gargoyles and the unknown rigours of academic study I started at Ridley. After two years inhabiting the community of grace I leave still daunted at what God is calling me to as a pioneer minister. Yet confident in His equipping through the foundations laid in me at Ridley.
The business of witnessing Bill and Irene Manley have spent over five years in Mongolia and recently set up Mary & Martha Mongolia, a business offering vital opportunities to local Christians, and seeking to embody Christian values in the process.
Available now.... Holding Together
“Our relationship with government offices continues to strengthen”, says Bill, “and we feel we are increasingly able to demonstrate Christian values and speak to the Gospel in all aspects of our daily lives. “These are quality
products made by very talented artisans and we hope we can make a real difference in their lives”
“This year we are beginning to develop the market for our products overseas, exporting to churches and a handful of shops abroad in a number of countries including Hong Kong, the UK and Holland.” Since January they have been able to give their artisans regular orders, and in readiness for the Mongolian summer market and further overseas orders now have about US$16,000 worth of stock. In addition to the opportunity to earn a living, artisans can attend weekly Bible studies and English lessons. Half of the profit generated by Mary & Martha goes towards “Lost Sheep Ministries” which reaches out to help the so-called ‘people of the pipes’. Adults and children, living below the streets in the city-wide heating and water supply system, exist by working the garbage heaps for food and for plastic, glass and cardboard which they sell to scrape together a meal every one to two days.
by Christopher Cocksworth Published by Canterbury Press
Coming up... The Simeon Centre is running a two day conference on Praying the Scriptures from Friday 5th until Sunday 7th September.
The speakers, Adrian Chatfield and Tom Wilson, will be examining key principles of praying with the scriptures, and looking at specific passages of scripture to inform and enrich Ina at work on Kazakh embroidery. The money she and her our understanding of, extended family earn through Mary & Martha is enabling two and relationship with, of her daughters to study at the city university. God. The weekend will also include opportunity With the recent launch of this new initiative, it is hoped that through for quiet reflection, spiritual the business some of the ‘lost sheep’ of this under-city will have hope guidance, prayer ministry and for tomorrow, and be given the chance to hear about the Eternal Hope small group work in which we for the Lost. n act on what we have been talking about! n At Ridley, we are delighted to be able to support a number of Mission Partners throughout the world, both financially and in prayer. More information at:
www.ridley.cam.ac.uk/missionpartners.html
Email Rosemary Kew for a booking form on rak44@cam.ac.uk
Building for the future There are countless unsung – or unremembered – heroes of the Christian story, women and men of faith whose names and contribution to the Kingdom have long since been forgotten or overlooked...
...Take Mrs Disney Robinson, for example. Everyone walking into Ridley Hall passes her name, but I suspect very few have actually noticed – I didn’t until I went looking for the plaque commemorating her generosity, which is over the Archway! Mrs Robinson gave a significant block of railway stock when the College was no more than a dream, and this funded the building of the entrance and ‘A’ Staircase in memory of her husband. A few years later a hefty anonymous gift paid for the Chapel that for more than a century has been the focal point of the College’s worship and spiritual life. These acts of generosity extraordinarily advanced the Christian Gospel. Mrs Disney Robinson was obviously prosperous, but the money she invested in Ridley even before it had a track record could have made her life and that of her family even more comfortable. Instead, decade after decade it has ensured hundreds have been able to go into the world proclaiming Christ, advancing the Kingdom of God, and in the process millions of lives have been transformed, societies and cultures altered. Those early investors in Ridley Hall were God’s venture capitalists: people with foresight and vision who realized the potential of the College even before it opened its doors to students in 1881. Their instinct was right, and it
is impossible to calculate the continuing dividend being returned on those initial investments. Today Ridley has an enviable track record, but has reached another turning point. This time we are full to overflowing with men and women whose responsibility will be to lead the Christian cause in a different century and a very different kind of world. This is why we are planning a major expansion of the College’s facilities – as you can see from the architect’s impression.
Not only will the new structure (that will be built in three stages) provide increased accommodation for students, but eventually there will be a new auditorium able to contain the whole community, and additional stateof-the-art teaching, IT, and office space. Exciting is a word that is greatly over-used, but there really is no appropriate alternative to describe our present circumstances. Ridley Hall stands on the threshold of a fascinating tomorrow as it seeks to further fulfill its potential as a world-class centre, in the heart of one of the world’s leading intellectual communities, and sending out leaders into the whole world. We have a huge task before us, but it is one that has been pondered for several years, is being marinated in prayer, and we invite our friends to share the journey with us. A project this big seemed impossible at the outset, and heads were scratched wondering how it would get off the ground – then an unexpected gift of over half a million pounds of the money needed set the ball rolling. It still looks challenging because there is a long way to go, but God willing, we hope to break ground in the next 12-24 months on the first stage. By then the momentum may be such that the whole un-
dertaking will soon be completed! n Richard Kew, Development Director For more information about this challenge facing Ridley, please contact Richard Kew or Elaine Thornton in the Development Office (01223 741069 or 01223 741079) Aerial shot of the existing site
Focus on Youth Ministry Hannah Burton is studying at the Centre for Youth Ministry (CYM) at Ridley, and considers work among young people to be “a fantastic privilege.” She says, “I love...being welcomed into the lives of the young people...and hope that young people with whom I work will grow into people who take responsibility for positive change within their local and world community.” Hannah got into youth work through her home church and Youth for Christ, having met the Lord through “many significant ‘coming to faith’ experiences.” She believes CYM is giving her tools to serve effectively in youth and community work. An important person in her life is Chris, her boyfriend, who works for Emmaus in Bedford, and they dream in the future of marrying then setting up a new Emmaus community in the Northeast – where she spent last summer. Those weeks with Away Out in Stockton-on-Tees last year were formative in her vision for her life (http://www.stockton.gov.uk/ units/25092/awayoutaddy/). She found herself among women who were homeless, victims of social violence, prostitutes, or pursuing other destructive lifestyles. “This experience has utterly changed my life. I understood more of what Jesus was talking about in Matthew 25:31-46 through those three weeks than I had in my whole life.” Of Ridley and CYM she says, “I am learning to critique and question, I am learning to explore more and expand my thoughts and I am learning that I could wonder at and learn about God forever and only ever get a glimpse of who he is”. n
The Wedding Project
this initial meeting the plans for the project were explained and Ridley has become part of an exciting two-year project the impressions, advice and inwhich comes from the Archbishop’s Council. This na- put of those attending sought. A tionwide venture of the Church of England arises out of number of people in College have the new Marriage Measure which comes into law in 2008. been married in the past year and their reflections will be particuThe measure, which will amongst other things give couples a much larly valuable for the Project. wider choice over where to get married, changes the mission landscape with respect to church weddings. It offers the church a real It is hoped that as plans mature opportunity to increase the numbers wanting a church wedding and the College will be involved with to improve its ability to use this mission opportunity to encourage the national launch of the procouples to become part of their local church beyond the wedding day. ject and its roll-out events in each diocese. There will also be opporRidley has been chosen to be one of two theological colleges alongtunities for leading presentations side two dioceses to contribute their insights, skill, understanding and advising on training clergy in and imagination to the progress of this project. A goal of the project the area of wedding preparation is attracting more couples to decide to marry in a church ceremony, and marriage support. to create in the general This is an exciting project, seekpublic a sense that the ing as it does to cultivate mission church is an enthusiasthinking and pastoral practice. tic believer in marriage, The project has several measuras well as to encourage able goals, such as attracting 5% more couples to mainmore couples to choose a church tain a relationship with wedding. (Over the last four years the church again after Church of England weddings have their marriage. risen by a mere 0.002%.) This Church weddings provide project could have far reaching a marvellous opportuniramifications for the mission of Heather and Dave Male, who lead a course ty for mission. It is esfor married couples at Ridley Hall our church in this country. n timated that 51% of the population goes to a church in a year for a wedding, and in some Forthcoming.... recent research commissioned by the Archbishops Council 53% of the population feel that church is ‘the proper place’ for a wedding. PresChurch Unplugged ently, only 22% of weddings are in a church. Ridley is to be a vital partner helping the national church to develop good resources and training to support its marriage ministry. We are asked to come up with ideas to attract more couples to use a church for their wedding, while offering fresh thinking on innovative approaches to welcoming couples into church. Dave Male is Ridley’s link person to the Wedding Project, and has attended an initial briefing at Lambeth Palace. The Wedding Project team came to Ridley in May to meet with students and staff. At
by Dave Male Published by Authentic, June 2008
Restoring Prayer
International Simeon Centre conference, Sept 3–6, 2009
Ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls (Jeremiah 6:16)
Keynote speaker: Eugene Peterson Probably best known for The Message, his translation of the Bible in the language of today, Dr Peterson was for many years James M. Houston Professor of Spiritual Theology at Regent College. Now retired from full-time teaching, Eugene lives in rural Montana and has recently completed The Jesus Way, his latest in a projected five-volume series.
“It will be an immense privilege to share these days together, learning, sharing in prayer, exploring new and old paths in our journey with Christ.” Adrian Chatfield, Director of the Simeon Centre
For more details visit
www.ridley.cam.ac.uk/scprogramme.html or email Rosemary Kew on rak44@cam.ac.uk
Royal visit to Ridley
At the end of May the College welcomed His Royal Highness, The Prince of Wales, for a visit which included a tour of the College and the opportunity to meet with members of staff, students and their families.