Most of the URC ministers and CRCW serving in Wales gathered at Llangasty Retreat House near Brecon at the beginning of August for their annual Summer School. This year the main speaker and theme leader was the Revd Dr Susan Durber, a retired URC minister living in Pembrokeshire.
Susan drew on her vast experience of pastoral ministry, of working ecumenically in theological education, as theological advisor for Christian Aid and her current role as Europe President of the World Council of Churches, to explore with ministers The Gifts of Ministry for the People of God. Susan’s sessions were enlightening, challenging, sometimes deeply moving but always engaging as those gathered were encouraged to reflect on their ministry practice and think about the privileges and responsibilities of offering the many faceted gifts of ministry to the church and world.
Other sessions were led by Jason, the Synod’s Training and Development Officer who asked the question ‘Why should the church care about creation?’, and by David Salsbury, Synod Moderator, who was interested to hear from colleagues something of the joys and challenges of ministry in Wales today.
We weren’t always blessed with good weather but were blessed by each other’s company and by the excellent hospitality offered by the small but dedicated team at Llangasty. Thank you to all who were involved in the planning and running of an excellent week of learning, reflection and mutual support.