CoNNECT II, Exploring Story: Chaplaincy - Reflection - Research

Exploring Story: Chaplaincy - Reflection - Research,

write with input from Andrew Todd

Lumen United Reformed Church & Community Centre, URC London

Thursday, Mar 12 from 10:30 am to 4:30 pm

An opportunity to connect and network with a particular focus around the use of case studies.

As with the first CoNNECT day we a looking to bring together practitioners, educators and researchers, and those involved in supporting, developing and providing chaplaincy and pastoral care across different contexts. The day is aimed at all those who are interested in understanding chaplaincy, developing practice across different contexts, and supporting chaplains through participatory research.

Chaplaincy is at heart relational. The day will share details of a Case Study project from the Netherland and the idea of ‘living human encounters’ which emerged from it. As a way of connecting our stories there will be opportunity to share and reflection on pastoral encounters getting a taste of case study research.

The final part of the day will be an optional session for those who would be interested in forming a steering group to develop ideas for a Case Study project and potential pilot research community within that.

Alongside Sarah Lane-Cawte, Mark Newitt and Bob Wilson we are delighted that Andrew Todd will be helping us facilitating the day. Andrew is Director of the Professional Doctorate in Practical Theology and Senior Lecturer at Anglia Ruskin University and the Cambridge Theological Federation. Andrew brings a wealth of experience having previously coordinated the Centre for Contemporary Spirituality at Sarum College and, prior to that, set up and ran the Cardiff Centre for Chaplaincy Studies. Andrew is a practical theologian and ethnographer and has researched and published on chaplaincy and related issues of religion in public life.

New Year Greetings from the Moderator of the Free Churches Group

Happy New Year!

New Year Greetings in the name of our Saviour, Jesus Christ.

As we celebrate the final week of the Christmas season and approach Epiphany, may we recognise that we are summoned to be courageous followers of Christ in the midst of life’s uncertainty. Isaiah 60:1 tells us: “Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of God rises upon you”. The Magi journeyed with courage through uncertainty, guided by a light that drew them beyond comfort into discovery, reverence, and transformation (Matthew 2:1–12). Epiphany carries that same invitation for us.

This season opens a space for deep reflection: the kind of inner work where faith, honesty, healing, and courage meet. God shapes the heart quietly over time, yet the journey of faith always moves toward embodied living. The light of Christ does more than warm us; it forms us. It calls us to live with intention, to carry Christ’s compassion into public life, to mirror Christ’s grace in how we speak, act, lead, and serve.

Each of us carries a distinct story, a distinct calling, a distinct responsibility within community. Our lives will not unfold in uniform ways. The Spirit shapes unique actions, unique gifts, unique witness. Yet all of it serves God’s purpose among us: faith that honours truth, love that heals, justice that lifts, mercy that restores, hope that steadies communities and souls.

So as Epiphany unfolds, may this year become one of reflectiveness that leads to courageous living. May we recognise the light Christ brings to our lives and allow that light to guide our choices, align our commitments, and deepen our discipleship. May we live as people who reveal something of God’s presence through who we are and how we act.

“And all of us…seeing the glory of God as though reflected in a mirror, are being transformed” (2 Corinthians 3:18). May this transformation move gently through our hearts and boldly through our lives.

Wishing us all God’s grace, courage, and blessings for the journey ahead,

Sincerely yours,

Revd Dr Tessa Henry-Robinson