Congregational Federation Spring School 2022

11th-13th March

2022 Is Christian Non-Conformity a Thing of the Past?

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Contents About the Spring School

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Why attend the Spring School

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The Presenters

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The Programme

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The Venue

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The Menus

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Directions and Car Parking

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Map of Nottingham

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Other Places to Visit in Nottingham

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Accommodation Options

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How to book your place

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Visit www.congregational.org.uk/springschool for more information and booking

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About the Spring School 11th –13th March 2022

“Is Christian Non-Conformity a thing of the past?”

The Spring School is open to anyone with an interest in how we can live out our Christian convictions in local churches that are fully autonomous, yet within a family of interdependent churches. It is open to anyone with a desire to have an impact on the structures and policies of society as well as getting involved at local level with particular projects.

The weekend will involve a mix of plenary sessions, presented by people with experience and expertise in different aspects of Christian non-conformity, and interactive, workshop type sessions, led by equally experienced scholarpractitioners.

The particular issues to be explored and presented in these sessions include the following:

What Are the Distinctives of a Christian Non-Conformist Voice in Public Life?

Significant Historical Congregationalists with an Ongoing Influence Reading the Bible as Non-Conformists The Importance of a Congregationalist Voice in the UK Today

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Why attend the Spring School?

‘Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit.

Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.’

(Philippians 2:3-4) As Congregational churches and members, we celebrate the fact that we are part of Christ’s huge family on earth, we enjoy fellowship with friends across denominations, and we are actively involved in joint ventures with other churches and organisations in our local and global service. We are certainly not minded to ‘blow our own trumpet’ in any inappropriate way, or to prefer ourselves over other Christians or churches.

However, we should not be embarrassed at the distinctives of our Congregational way of life and worship, and our way of being church.

Nor should we be reluctant to stand by our conviction that we must play our part under God in challenging any and all injustices in our society. While being part of the whole family of the church, we are also part of what is usually called the nonconformist, or dissenting, tradition of Christian values and principles.

We have always stood with those Christians who speak out against interests that neglect or actively harm vulnerable and disadvantaged people, whether these interests belong to government bodies or other powerful groups in society with vested interests, including, if necessary, church bodies.

With this in mind, we are launching the first of what we hope will become an ongoing series of Spring Schools whose aim is both to encourage and to challenge us to play our ongoing part in the public life of the UK today. We will explore our distinctive values, perspectives and principles, reminding ourselves of our call to radical discipleship under Christ.

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The Presenters Biographical Information on the Presenters •

Professor Anthony Reddie Professor Reddie is the editor of Black Theology: An International Journal. In 2015 he was appointed Professor Extraordinarius in the Department of Philosophy, Practical and Systematic Theology at the University of South Africa.

He is also the Director of the Oxford Centre for Religion and Culture and a trustee of the British and Irish Association for Practical Theology. His latest book is Theologizing Brexit: A Liberationist and Postcolonial Critique, the first intercultural and postcolonial theological exploration of the Brexit phenomenon.

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Rev Dr Ann Jeffers Dr Jeffers is a Research Fellow at Roehampton University, and formerly a Director of Research at Heythrop College, University of London. She is also a Tutor on the Congregational Federation’s ministerial training course. She is the co-editor of a textbook on Gender and Religion and has contributed to The Encyclopedia of the Bible and its Reception and to Oxford Biblical Studies Online.

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Rev Dr Alan Argent Dr Argent is a Research Fellow at Dr Williams's Library, London, and is a significant expert in the non-conformist and dissident Christian traditions with several important books published on this, including the major work, The Transformation of Congregationalism 1900 - 2000. He is the Minister of Trinity Congregational Church, Brixton and a Tutor on the Congregational Federation’s ministerial training course.

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Rev Suzanne Nockels Rev Nockels is the President of the Congregational Federation and the Minister of Tapton Hill Congregational Church in Sheffield. She has a Masters’ degree in Mission and is a Tutor on the Congregational Federation’s ministerial training course with a particular interest in fresh expressions of church.

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Rev Dr Julian Gotobed Dr Gotobed is the Director of Practical Theology and Mission at Westcott House, Cambridge, and a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. He has published several important articles including one on Martin Luther King Jr - Rediscovering Justice. He is an Accredited Minister in the Baptist Union of Great Britain.

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Rev Dr Graham Adams Dr Adams is a Northern College tutor, one of the ecumenical staff team within Luther King House.

LKH is a federal institution combining on one site, and in a common teaching programme, what were previously separate Free Church denominational theological colleges based in Manchester. He is programme leader for the MA and teaches Mission Studies in the context of global Christianity and religious diversity and dialogue. He is the a Tutor on the Congregational Federation’s ministerial training course.

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The Programme Day One 12.00 - 12.30 pm

Arrival and Registration (refreshments)

12.30 - 1.00 pm

Welcome and Introductions

1.00 - 1.45 pm

Lunch

2.00 - 3.30 pm

Plenary Session I The Importance of a Congregational Voice in the UK Today (Rev Suzanne Nockels; Congregational Federation President)

3.30 - 4.00 pm

Refreshment Break

4.00 - 5.30 pm

Case Study Sessions I Reading the Bible as Non-Conformists I (Rev Dr Ann Jeffers) OR Significant Historical Congregationalists with an Ongoing Influence I

The Mayflower Pilgrims and the development of democracy in the USA and beyond

(Rev Dr Alan Argent) 6.00 - 7.15 pm

Dinner (Served at the Lace Market Hotel)

7.30 - 9.00 pm

Plenary Session II (in the Lace Market Hotel) Challenging ‘Empire’ is a Non-Conformist Church’s Responsibility (Rev Dr Graham Adams)

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The Programme Day Two 9.00 - 10.30 am

Case Study Sessions II Reading the Bible as Non-Conformists II (Rev Dr Ann Jeffers) OR Significant Historical Congregationalists with an Ongoing Influence II Isaac Watts: singing the faith and much more

(Rev Dr Alan Argent) 10.30 - 11.00 am

Refreshment Break

11.00 am - 12.30 pm

Plenary Session III The Importance of a Christian Non-Conformist Voice in UK Public Life (Professor Anthony Reddie)

1.00 - 2.00 pm

Lunch

2.00 - 5.30 pm

Guided Tour of the National Justice Museum Time to make new friends and/or explore Nottingham

4.00 - 4.30 pm

Refreshment Break

6.00 - 7.15 pm

Dinner (A small bar will be available, and areas of the Museum will be open for participants to explore while the room is prepared for the meal)

7.30 - 9.00 pm

Plenary Session IV What are the Distinctives of a Christian Non-Conformist Voice in Public Life?

(Rev Dr Julian Gotobed)

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The Programme Day Three 9.00 - 10.30 am

Case Study Sessions III Reading the Bible as Non-Conformists III (Rev Dr Ann Jeffers) OR Significant Historical Congregationalists with an Ongoing Influence III

David Livingstone and the spiritual and social regeneration of Africa

(Rev Dr Alan Argent) 10.30 - 11.00 am

Refreshment Break

11.00 am - 12.30 pm

Plenary Session V Nonconformity, Diversity, and Equity: An Unfinished Story (Rev Dr Julian Gotobed)

12.30 - 1.00 pm

Closing Session

1.00 - 2.00 pm

Lunch and Departure

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The Venue The National Justice Museum The venue for the Spring School is the iconic grade 2 listed National Justice Museum in the heart of Nottingham, which is easily accessible by public transport. It has all the facilities you would expect for an event of this type, but it also has immense character, and the weekend will include a guided tour of the museum.

The story of the ongoing reform of the law and of the instruments of justice is not without interest for the story of Christian engagement with social politics.

Buffet lunches and evening meals will be served at the venue, with one evening meal being served at the Lace Market Hotel.

Free wifi is available throughout the venue.

We will be adhering to any current government and venue guidelines with regards to Covid-19.

Please note: As an historic building, there are some areas that may be inaccessible to those with mobility issues. The main conference room for the Spring School has access by lift for those who require it. Please ensure that you have indicated on your booking form if you will require use of the lift, so that appropriate arrangements can be made.

In some parts of the museum there will be low ceilings, uneven floors and steps.

Flat shoes are advisable.

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Menus A cold buffet lunch and hot evening meal are proved during the Spring School. Please ensure that you have listed any dietary requirements on your booking form, as these do need to be booked in advance.

Tea and coffee with biscuits or cake will be served during refreshment breaks.

Friday Evening A hot buffet served in the Lace Market Hotel opposite the National Justice Museum.

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Saturday Evening A three course meal (please note vegetarians will be catered for separately)

Starter Ham hock and pea terrine with golden piccalilli Main Pan-fried chicken supreme, colcannon and buttered carrots Dessert Lemon and ginger cheesecake, berry compote and white chocolate

A small (non-complementary) bar will be available for pre-dinner drinks, whilst the room is prepared for dinner.

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Directions and Car Parking The National Justice Museum is located in the Lace Market area of Nottingham City Centre, close to Broadmarsh Intu Shopping Centre.

By train The museum is located 0.8miles away from Nottingham Train Station (a 10-15 minute walk). Taxis are available at the train station.

By tram .

Leave the tram at the ‘Lace Market’ stop. From here, it is a two minute walk down the hill. Take the second left, at the corner where you see Nottingham Contemporary. Walk straight up this street (High Pavement) and we are located on the right hand side.

By car From M1 north — leave the M1 at junction 26 and follow signs for A610. Once in the city centre, follow the brown and white signs for the Museum From M1— south. Leave the M1 at junction 24 and follow signs for the A453.

Once in the city centre, follow the brown and white signs for the Museum. The road outside our museum, High Pavement, is a one way street with drop off and pick up points on the museum steps but with no dropped kerb. There is strictly no parking on the road from 8am – 8pm 7 days a week.

Parking Unfortunately there is no onsite carpark. Nearest car parks are Broadmarsh car park (currently closed but temporary car parks – Broadmarsh East and Sheriffs Lodge are available), Lace Market car park and Stoney Street car park. We offer discounted all day parking rates at Stoney Street. Simply ask at reception on arrival and we will give you a car parking ticket that will discount your parking rate when you exit the car park. A small pay and display car parking area with around 20 spaces is situated almost directly opposite the Museum steps on High Pavement. Pay and display charges apply.

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Location The venue is approximately 10 minutes’ walk from Nottingham train station.

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Other places to visit in Nottingham While you’re visiting Nottingham you might want to use some of your free time to take in some of the other attractions the city has to offer:

These are some of the nearby attractions: •

City of Caves: Nottingham is a city built on caves, which were once used as housing for locals.

This attraction is run by the National Justice Museum, and the entrance is on the same street. https://www.nationaljusticemuseum.org.uk/venue/city-of-caves/

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Nottingham Contemporary: This art gallery is on the same street as the museum and also has a great gift shop.

Entry to the gallery is free. https://www.nottinghamcontemporary.org/

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Pitcher and Piano: This magnificent converted church is an amazing place to have a drink. As well as serving alcoholic drinks, there is a wide range of soft drinks, and teas and coffees available. Again, this is located on the same street as the museum. https://www.pitcherandpiano.com/bars/nottingham

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St Mary’s Church: A beautiful historic church, which is open for visitors between 10.00am—3.00pm on weekdays. https://www.stmarysnottingham.org/

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Debbie Bryan: If you’re feeling creative, then this award-winning shop and tea room might be the ideal place to while away some time, and perhaps shop for some unique gifts. https://debbiebryan.co.uk/

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Shopping As you might expect, Nottingham is home to all the usual high street shops, but you can also find designer labels, discount brands and independent retailers, so if shopping is your thing, you are sure to find something to suit!

You can find out about more places to visit on the Tourist Information website

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Accommodation Options Accommodation is not available at the venue, so you will need to organise this yourself. We have drawn up a list of hotels that are within ten minutes’ walk of the National Justice Museum, with a range of prices and star ratings. We are not endorsing any particular hotel, and there are many others within a 15-minute walk, which you may wish to consider.

We have been advised that it is best to book your accommodation early to secure the best prices.

Lace Market Hotel 4 https://www.lacemarkethotel.co.uk/ This is the closest hotel to the venue, being literally across the road! There are 42 rooms including suites, double and king rooms. Please email sales@lacemarkethotel.co.uk to book and receive 15% discount .

Hotel Ibis Nottingham 2 https://all.accor.com/hotel/6160/index.en.shtml 3 minutes’ walk. Economy hotel. Double and twin rooms, plus rooms and facilities for people with reduced mobility. Discounted parking available.

Mercure Nottingham 4 https://www.mercurenottingham.com/ 6 minutes’ walk. There are 76 rooms including suites, king and ‘city pads’. Please use the promo code CONGRE when booking online to receive an exclusive discount.

There is an accessible room. Use of the 24-hour gym is included and discounted parking available.

Jurys Inn 4 https://www.jurysinns.com/hotels/nottingham/ 8 minutes’ walk. There are 264 rooms including wheelchair-friendly options.

Travelodge Nottingham Central 3 https://www.travelodge.co.uk/hotels/290/ Nottingham-Central-hotel 8 minutes’ walk. Standard Double rooms, with some available on a quieter ‘business floor’. Discounted parking available.

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Bentinck Hotel 2 https://www.thebentinckhotel.co.uk/ 8 minutes’ walk. There are 13 en-suite and standard rooms. This hotel is located very conveniently for the train station.

The Britannia Hotel 3 https://www.britanniahotels.com/hotels/the-britannianottingham-hotel 10 minutes’ walk. Room types include en-suite single, double, twin and accessible.

Park Plaza 4 https://www.radissonhotels.com/en-us/hotels/park-plaza-nottingham 10 minutes’ walk. There are 178 double, twin, superior, suites and accessible rooms.

Access to the fitness suite is included.

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How to book your place We would love you to join us for the Spring School on 11th –13th March 2022.

If you would like to join us, please complete the online booking form on the Congregational Federation website https://www.congregational.org.uk/spring-school/bookings

The first 30 places will attract an early bird discount of £25, so book early to secure your place for £125! Subsequent places are £150 per person. All bookings include meals, refreshments and a guided tour of the National Justice Museum.

Payment should be made online, using the online payment system on the Congregational Federation website https://www.congregational.org.uk/cf/payment-form , selecting the Spring School payment option.

If you have any questions, or require a hard copy of the booking form please do not hesitate to get in touch with us by emailing madeleine.varley@congregational.org.uk or telephoning Walter or Maddy on 0115 911 1460.

Thank you

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‘And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.’ (Hebrews 10:24)

8 Castle Gate Nottingham NG1 7AS www.congregational.org.uk 0115 911 1460 20