A Year in the Ministerial Community

The old adage that ‘absence makes the heart grow fonder’ was certainly proved true this academic year. Physically returning to college brought a renewed appreciation of being together as a ministerial community. The relationships built and the learning that occurs in the soft spaces around the classroom are significant. The advantages of being physically back in college were seen in the speed and ease with which the new cohort integrated. Activities such as a C.S. Lewis-inspired tour of Oxford together in the glorious September sunshine were enthusiastically embraced as we began to get to know one another.

As the earliest to arrive in college, the Ministerial students were the first to enjoy the newly decorated MCR common room. Inspired by a trip to Blenheim Palace, the new décor was certainly a welcome improvement and the efforts of the committee members over the summer vacation were much appreciated, although we doubt that any of them expected that their Oxford education would include proficiency in wallpaper hanging!

Beyond the delights of the MCR common room, another highlight of the block week was the Gaudy dinner. It was a joy to be joined by former students and current ministers and to welcome David Coffey, former General Secretary of Baptist Union and President of Baptist World Alliance, as our speaker. The highlight of the term was undoubtably singing carols in the quad by the light of Christingle candles, accompanied by the Salvation Army’s brass band.

Hilary term began with a need to pivot quickly as Covid-19 reared its ugly head and the block week had to be moved online at the last minute. Despite this unexpected complication, it was a highly successful week and the feedback from students was encouraging. Thankfully, the remainder of the year was held in person.

Sarah Stapleton is the Ministerial Association Representative (2022-2023) and an undergraduate student reading for the BTh in Theology (2021).

Trinity term delighted with warm sun and new picnic rugs in the quad, and we celebrated what sadly would prove to be Manny’s final birthday party. The term finished well with the ministerial community enjoying a retreat and that most Oxford of traditions – an afternoon punting. Thankfully, the life jacket sported by one more apprehensive passenger was not needed and no one entered the water this year! A range of punting techniques and differing levels of skill were evidenced by the group, however Dr Anthony Clarke’s punting prowess proved decisively that his undergraduate years had not been wasted.

It has been a successful and productive year for the ministerial community that has reminded us again of how important we are to one another; always a valuable lesson.