This report tells the story of the Southlands College buildings, which opened in 1997 and form part of the University of Roehampton. Designed in numerous ways to reflect the college’s long heritage of Methodism, the architect and college principal have created an enduring legacy of those faith origins. It is a design approach that has […]
‘Laid aside’ – life in a time of lockdown
SWF Research Officer Sam McBratney considers how it feels to be ‘laid aside’ at this time and invites your responses on being ‘laid aside’ in the time of lockdown. ******** Recently, I wrote a blog post about vocation and work. I entitled it ‘Let me employed for you’, a reference to the Methodist Covenant Service Prayer recited […]
There’s a hole in my bucket list
Emma Pavey reflects on this time of pandemic uncertainty and what we might learn both for ourselves and as we lead others. Image also by Emma. ******** “[A time of] fruitful chaos, a place of incubation for new ideas and lifestyles, of resistance and creativity” – V. Turner This is how anthropologist Victor Turner describes times […]
No Methodism, no Brontës
Author of acclaimed new biography of Maria Branwell, mother of the Brontë writers, Sharon Wright explores how pivotal Methodism was for the life story of this little-known figure. ******** When I set out to write the first biography of the enigmatic mother of Charlotte, Emily and Anne Brontë I had no idea how pivotal Methodism […]
Has the Holy Spirit made it online? Practical theology in a Zoom Room: Part 2
In this second of a two-part series, University of Roehampton researcher and friend of SWF James Butler discusses the challenges of taking discernment processes online. In part two, he explores the issue of online spiritual discernment. (Find part one here.) Owl photo by Richard Brooks ******** The lockdown has raised some deep theological questions about communion […]
Has the Holy Spirit made it online? Practical theology in a Zoom Room: Part 1
In this first of a two-part series, University of Roehampton researcher and friend of SWF James Butler discusses the challenges of taking discernment processes online. In part one, he explores how to have the conversation. Owl photo by Richard Brooks ******** “Are you there? You seem to have frozen,” is a more familiar phrase than it […]
Learning the lessons
In this post which originally appeared on his blog, SWF-sponsored PhD student and colleague Keith Elford reflects on how organisations can pay attention to values both at this time, and moving forward. Photo by Tai’s Captures on Unsplash ******Every day I read sentiments to the effect that the virus and the lockdown have changed us forever. Life cannot and […]
Fruits of the lockdown
Usually found crafting communications and resources for SWF, here Emma Pavey offers a theological reflection on lockdown challenges, opportunities and blessings. Image also by Emma. ******** Fruits of the lockdown JOY Have you noticed that nature is carrying on regardless during our crisis? Here in the northern hemisphere leaves are appearing, the air is warming, and shoots of […]