St Albans Cathedral. Adult Learning. Autumn 2018 TALKS STUDY DAYS COURSES

Transcription

1 St Albans Cathedral Adult Learning Autumn 2018 TALKS STUDY DAYS COURSES

2 Booking Information Bookings can be made in the following ways: - Online at - By telephone through the Box Office on ; - By visiting our Box Office (located in the Gift Shop) For the following, please contact Caroline Godden, Adult Learning Officer, on or alo@stalbanscathedral.org: - Further details about any of the events in this brochure; - Information on our Bursary Scheme we do not wish anyone to be deterred from attending for financial reasons; - Information on how to claim directly from your Diocesan Training Grant if you are clergy or a reader. ***Look out for events marking the centenary of the end of the First World War in our series of talks and study days focusing on Peace-making and War-waging.*** TALKS A Century On: Saint Elizabeth the New Martyr Date: Monday 24 September Time: pm Price: 10 In 1920, the earthly remains of Mother Elizabeth, formerly Grand Duchess Elizabeth Feodorovna of Russia, who had been viciously murdered in Siberia in 1918, were laid to rest at the Russian Orthodox convent of Gethsemane in Jerusalem. A century later, Mother Elizabeth is recognized as a saint within the revitalized Russian Orthodox Church, and is a source of spiritual inspiration for Christians across many denominations. At St Albans Cathedral, her statue stands above the nave altar, alongside St Alban. Join Dan Koski of Tantur Ecumenical Institute as he tells the story of Saint Elizabeth and her importance to the future of Christianity in the Holy Land and beyond. Tutor: Dan Koski, Tantur Ecumenical Institute Venue: Boardroom, Holywell Lodge Vanity of Vanities! - Making Meaning of Ecclesiastes Date: Wednesday 3 October Time: pm Price: 10 Join Rabbi Adam for a look at the theology of Kohelet (Ecclesiastes). How can we make sense of this philosophical work which seems to suggest that 'all is vanity? What theologies lie behind Kohelet's unique take on the human condition? We'll take a close look at the text and explore

3 what this radical book has to tell us about 'the good life.' Tutor: Rabbi Adam Zagoria-Moffet, St Albans Masorti Synagogue Venue: Boardroom, Holywell Lodge Haunted by Christ Date: Thursday 11 October Time: pm Price: 10 Bishop Richard Harries draws on his latest book, Haunted by Christ, which explores some of the great poets and novelists whose struggle with faith finds expression in their works. One in particular, W.H. Auden, was the foremost voice of politically aware younger poets shortly before World War II. After his return to faith, this suffused all his later poetry in subtle, unobtrusive ways. This faith, strangely neglected by most critics, expressed itself in his enjoyment of every aspect of life. Perhaps the most naturally talented of 20 th century poets, it has been said that Auden had a skill with words that bordered on wizardry. Tutor: The Right Rev d Lord Harries of Pentregarth, Former Bishop of Oxford Venue: Boardroom, Holywell Lodge Modern Warfare - More Trying to Win Peace*** Date: Thursday 18 October Time: pm Price: 10 Dr Kevin Shaw will be explaining how Britain's forces engage in conflicts around the world with a perspective that is less focused on winning battles and more focused on winning peace. But in today's world, the ethics of conflict are not as straightforward as they used to be. This talk will show how Christian ethics still underpin how the UK military engages in conflicts; Dr Shaw will also bring a more personal perspective from his service at Northwood Headquarters on how Christian ministry supports the service personnel and their families working in an increasingly stressed environment. Tutor: Dr Kevin Shaw, Northwood HQ Venue: Boardroom, Holywell Lodge Public Memorialisation of the Dead in St Albans, *** Date: Thursday 25 October Time: pm Price: 10 This talk charts the development of the tradition of public commemoration in St Albans from the Boer War through the Great War itself, and finishing in 1925 by which time most of the city s forty war memorials had been erected.

4 Assessing contemporary nomenclature such as rolls of honour, street shrines and street memorials we will follow the changing public need for memorials over the period. These requirements included patriotism, support for the anxious, and solace for the bereaved. The talk will also consider the significance of large set-piece commemorative events staged in the city centre in Tutor: Jonathan Mein, Local Historian, SAHAAS Venue: Boardroom, Holywell Lodge Mary in the New Testament Date: Wednesday 7 November Time: pm Price: 6 Protestant Christians generally assume that devotion to Mary is a late import into the Christian faith from medieval Catholicism. This study demonstrates that it is firmly rooted in the New Testament, especially in Luke, John and Revelation. The evening s study is in four sections: 1. Mary Redeemed (why is Jesus so rude to his mother?); 2. Mary the Revolutionary; 3. Mary the Fulfilment of Old Testament Types and Expectations; 4. Mary in Glory: the Heavenly Woman. Tutor: The Very Rev d Dr Jeffrey John, Dean of St Albans Cathedral Venue: Lady Chapel, St Albans Cathedral St Albans and the Cult of Humfrey, Duke of Gloucester A talk held jointly by the Study Centre and the Friends Date: Thursday 15 November Time: Drinks 7.30pm, Talk 7.45-c9.30pm Price: 9 Humfrey, Duke of Gloucester ( ) liked to call himself the son, brother and uncle of kings. The youngest sibling of Henry V, who saved his life at Agincourt, Humfrey was subsequently protector to his nephew, Henry VI. He was, though, a politically divisive figure and, early in 1447, while heir presumptive to the throne, he was arrested on an accusation of treason. He died in custody. His name was not forgotten, however, and one place where he was especially remembered was St Albans Abbey. It was not by accident that his burial chamber and chantry chapel were in the abbey church. He had been a member of the confraternity and was well known to the learned Abbot John Whethamstede. This lecture will explore Humfrey s career, his literary patronage, and afterlife. Tutor: Dr David Rundle, University of Oxford Venue: Crossing, St Albans Cathedral

5 Theology and Peacebuilding*** Date: Wednesday 21 November Time: pm Price: 10 The Rev d Sam Wells, Vicar of St Martin-in-the-Fields and Visiting Professor of Christian Ethics at King s College, London, looks at 12 steps that lead to peace, and distinguishes between different models of reconciliation, notably peacebuilding, peacewaging, peacekeeping, and peacemaking. Tutor: The Rev d Sam Wells, Vicar of St Martin-in-the-Fields Venue: Lady Chapel, St Albans Cathedral Christian Spiritual Healing Today: Science, Theology and Cancer Date: Thursday 6 December Time: pm Price: 10 In this talk, The Rev d Dr Gillian Straine will present the healing ministry renewed for a world which includes modern medical science. Drawing on her experience as a physicist, cancer survivor and Director of The Guild of Health and St Raphael, an ecumenical organisation committed to supporting and resourcing the healing ministry, she will map out a new way forward based on the heritage of the Christian faith for the healing and flourishing of ourselves and God s mission in our communities. Tutor: The Rev d Dr Gillian Straine, Director of The Guild of Health and St Raphael Venue: Boardroom, Holywell Lodge In Search of Mary Shelley: the Girl who Wrote Frankenstein Date: Wednesday 19 December Time: pm Price: 10 Astonishingly, Mary Shelley was still a teenager when she composed Frankenstein and created two of our most enduring archetypes. Her life, as the daughter of Mary Wollstonecraft and wife of Percy Bysshe Shelley, is legendary. But who was the woman who lived it? She has left plenty of evidence, and in this fascinating dialogue with the past, Fiona Sampson sifts through letters, diaries, and records to find the real woman behind the story. She uncovers a complex, generous character, trying to fulfill her own commitment to writing at a time when to be a woman writer was to be extraordinary. Tutor: Professor Fiona Sampson MBE FRSL, Author Venue: Lady Chapel, St Albans Cathedral

6 STUDY DAYS Introduction to Reading Ancient Greek Literature - in Greek Date: Saturday 6 October Time: 10.30am 3.30pm Price: 25 In this study day you will learn to read ancient Greek authors in the original Greek rather than in translation. By the end of the day you will be able to read comfortably a paragraph of Greek text, and you will have read, in the original Greek, some of the historian Herodotus and the story of Princess Nausicaa in Homer s Odyssey, Book VI. No previous knowledge of the language required! Tutor: David Carter, Tutor in Classical Greek Venue: Board Room, Holywell Lodge Climate Change and Christian Discipleship Date: Saturday 13 October Time: 10.30am 3.30pm Price: 25 Climate science is clear: the planet is warming and humans are responsible. The impacts we are seeing today are serious - the future is in our hands. If we are concerned about climate change and the effects on the poorest and most vulnerable people in the world, we should speak up. This is not an environmental issue but a human issue it affects the air we breathe, the water we drink, the food we eat, our health, our economy, and our world security. We are created in the image of God and called to cooperate with God s transformative action in and for the world. Tutor: The Rev d Dr John Weaver, Chair of the John Ray Initiative Venue: Chapter Room, The Deanery Marking the Canonisation of Oscar Romero: Pilgrimage and Martyrdom Date: Saturday 20 October Time: 10.30am 3.30pm Price: 25 The idea of pilgrimage appeared quite often in Oscar Romero s sermons, either directly, or as a metaphor for the Christian life. This study day will be exploring the meaning of pilgrimage in the life of a martyr (Oscar Romero), and reflecting that with the idea of martyrdom in a church of pilgrimage (St Albans). We will be working with fragments of Oscar Romero s sermons through the Liberation of Theology hermeneutical method: to see, to judge, to act. Tutor: Dr Vinicius Mariano de Carvalho, King s College, London Venue: Board Room, Holywell Lodge

7 Consider the Lilies of the Field: Craft and Spirituality Date: Saturday 10 November Time: 10.00am 4.00pm Price: 25 We are made in the image of our creator God, so we too must have some creativity in us somewhere! Combining our creativity with spiritual activity provides an ideal approach to explore how we feel and who we are. Sue Ives (in association with CARM - the Creative Arts Retreat Movement) will be hosting this Quiet Day. There will be worship, talks on the theme, times of prayer and quiet, and a selection of creative activities, to help us to focus a bit more on God and get our concerns into perspective. All adults welcome, no artistic skill is required! Tutor: Sue Ives, Creative Arts Retreat Movement Venue: The Studio, St Albans Cathedral Creativity and Conflict*** Date: Saturday 17 November Time: 10.30am 3.30pm Price: 25 Focusing on the western tradition of art from the earliest surviving works to the present day, this study day will examine the way in which visual art has represented war and reacted to it. The day will focus on the work of major artists from various historical periods and then explore the ways in which the total war of the twentieth century impacted on modern art. This is a day which is about more than painting and sculpture: it aims to offer an insight into the culture and society in which we live today. Tutor: The Rev d Iain Lane, Tutor in Theology and the Visual Arts Venue: Board Room, Holywell Lodge War and Violence in the Bible: a Case Study of the Book of Joshua*** Date: Saturday 24 November Time: 10.30am 3.30pm Price: 25 When it comes to difficult texts in the Bible, the book of Joshua must come top of the list with its sanctioning of violence. Nobody can read it without being alert to ethical issues of war and genocide, yet it is considered part of holy scripture. In this study day, we will seek to get beneath the surface of this book, confronting these questions face on, and evaluating different responses to them. Tutor: The Rev d Dr Kevin Walton, Canon Chancellor Venue: Chapter Room, The Deanery

8 Augustine s City of God: In Search of Eternal Peace** Date: Saturday 8 December Time: Price: 25 There may be peace without war, but there cannot be war without some kind of peace. St Augustine s City of God raises question after question on the topics of war and peace, questions that we too ask. This study day will introduce Augustine s two cities, the Earthly City and the City of God, and with it his claim that what underpins all things, perhaps even war, is an eternal and universal peace. The hope of the world is clearly a peace without war ; we ll ask if there s hope too in Augustine s claim that there cannot be war without some kind of peace. Tutor: Kirsty Borthwick, University of Cambridge Venue: Chapter Room, The Deanery An Introduction to Syriac Christianity Date: Saturday 15 December Time: 10.30am 3.30pm Price: 25 We are increasingly aware of the plight of Christians in the Middle East, but we know little about the histories and traditions of these churches. This study day will introduce the history, literature, theology, and language of the Syriacspeaking churches. Syriac is a dialect of the Aramaic spoken by Jesus, and these churches trace their origins to the very beginnings of Christianity in the region. Often seen as an obscure subject, this day will show the richness of the Syriac tradition and the importance of its survival for the church today. Tutor: The Rev d Nevsky Everett, Chaplain of Keble College, Oxford Venue: Chapter Room, The Deanery STUDY & DISCUSSION GROUPS Latin Reading Group Dates: Mondays 3 Sept, 15 Oct, 12 Nov, 3 Dec Time: pm Price: 10 per session The Latin Reading Group meets once a month to read a section of a relevant Latin text. Texts which we have covered in the past have ranged from Bede s account of the death of Alban to Latin versions of Aesop s Fables, and we welcome suggestions for new and interesting texts to read. Please alo@stalbanscathedral.org for the text or to be added to the mailing list for reminders about this group. It is suitable for those with intermediate Latin and above. Tutor: Anthony Armstrong, Tutor of Latin and Greek Venue: Thicknesse Room, The Deanery

9 Old English Reading Group Dates: Tuesdays 4 Sept, 13 Nov, 11 Dec Time: pm Price: 10 per session This reading group is for those who have taken intermediate level Old English classes, to continue exploring the corpus of Old English prose and poetry. Please see the website for details of the texts, or alo@stalbanscathedral.org to be added to the mailing list for reminders about this group. Tutor: Caroline Godden, Adult Learning Officer Venue: Thicknesse Room, The Deanery Greek New Testament Study Group Dates: Mondays 24 Sept, 22 Oct, 19 Nov, 17 Dec Time: pm Price: 5 per session This group is for those who want an opportunity to read and discuss passages from the New Testament in the original Greek. With guidance from tutors, students have the chance to elucidate the meaning and nuance of the Greek, and contribute to an exegetical analysis of the chosen passage. It is suitable for those with intermediate NT Greek and above. Sept: 1 Thess 1:1-2:16 Oct: 1 Thess 2:17-4:12 Nov: 1 Thess 4:13-5:28 Dec: Luke 1:39-66 Tutors: The Rev d Dr Kevin Walton, Canon Chancellor, and Anthony Armstrong, Tutor of Latin and Greek Venue: Lawrance Room, The Deanery Hebrew Reading Group Dates: Tuesdays 11 Sept, 23 Oct, 4 Dec Time: pm Price: 10 per session This study group is for those who want an opportunity to read passages from the Old Testament in Hebrew, with the assistance of a teacher. Students will have the chance to elucidate the meaning of the Hebrew, with aid, and contribute to an exegetical analysis of the chosen passage. Students are encouraged to prepare texts in advance, though they will not be expected to read without assistance. Please canon@stalbanscathedral.org for the text. Sept: 1 Kings 17:1-16 Oct: 1 Kings 19:4-21 Dec: Psalms 121, 122, 123 Tutor: The Rev d Dr Kevin Walton, Canon Chancellor Venue: Lawrance Room, The Deanery Theology on Tap Every month, we meet in the Hare and Hounds on Sopwell Lane to discuss a theological topic. All are welcome: just buy a drink and join us. Dates coming soon!

10 Book Club On the second Tuesday of the month at 2.30pm and 6pm, the Book Club meets to share ideas and enjoy thoughtprovoking discussion inspired by our monthly novel. See the website for a list of upcoming books, or alo@stalbanscathedral.org to be added to the mailing list for reminders about the group. No need to book. Venue: Lawrance Room, The Deanery COURSES SACT and SACT+: if indicated, courses may be taken as part of the St Albans Certificate in Theology (SACT) or the St Albans Certificate in Theology Plus (SACT+). For more information of what these courses entail, please check our web pages or alo@stalbanscathedral.org. Introduction to Church History (SACT) Dates: Thursdays 27 September 6 December (excl. 1 November) Time: 8.00-c.9.45pm Price: 110 This ten-week course will cover the history of the Christian Church in a broadly chronological manner. Each of the sessions will focus on a particular period of church history from the first century to the present day. Within each session, time will be given not only to key dates and events, individuals and movements, but to art, architecture, liturgy and, where possible, to music. The course will focus on western church history, but include material relating to the Orthodox churches and to Christianity in Africa, Asia and South America, as well as Europe and North America. Tutor: The Rev d Dr Kenneth Padley, Tutor in Church History Venue: The Chapter Room, The Deanery Introduction to Christian Ethics (SACT & SACT+) Dates: Wednesdays 26 September 24 October Time: 8.00-c.9.45pm Price: 60 What is distinctive about Christian ethics? How can Christians apply their understanding of moral values to the issues of contemporary life? Taking a broadly ecumenical approach, this wide-ranging course will investigate Christian moral reasoning and link theoretical issues and Biblical theology with the moral questions facing people today. The course will combine input from the tutors with opportunities to discuss case studies. Topics will include: economics, medical ethics, personal relationships, social justice, and the ethics of modern science.

11 Tutors: The Rev d Lucy Dallas, ERMC, and the Rev d Dr Tim Bull, Residential Canon of St Albans Cathedral Venue: Chapter Room, St Albans Cathedral (Holywell Lodge on 17 Oct) The Book of Isaiah (SACT & SACT+) Dates: Wednesdays 14 November 12 December Time: pm Price: 60 As the Church enters Advent and Christmas, so we will hear much in our readings and hymns from the book of Isaiah, in which Christians have found prophecies pointing to the birth, life, and death of Christ. It is therefore not surprising that it is sometimes referred to as the 'Fifth Gospel'. More recently, scholars have identified different parts to the book and even different 'Isaiahs', and have sought to understand the prophecies in their immediate context. All agree that it contains some of the most profound imagery of the bible. This course aims to open up some of these aspects of this rich book. It is particularly geared to those who have a grounding in the Old Testament through previous study. Tutor: The Rev d Dr Kevin Walton, Canon Chancellor Venue: St Andrew s Church, Kimbolton Rd, Bedford, MK40 2PF Old English 2 (Post-beginners) (SACT & SACT+) Dates: Tuesdays 25 September 23 October Time: 8.00-c.9.45pm Price: 60 This five-week course is designed for those who have completed our Beginners course in Old English or those who have already learned the basics. It will build on existing understanding of grammar, broaden the vocabulary, and will start to introduce different types of texts in both prose and poetry. Tutor: Caroline Godden, Adult Learning Officer Venue: Thicknesse Room, The Deanery Latin 1 (Beginners) (SACT & SACT+) Dates: Thursdays 8 November 6 December Time: 8.00-c.9.45pm Price: 60 This five-week course is designed for complete beginners to learn tools for accessing Latin, and to introduce studying the language. Students will learn the basics of Latin grammar and a little vocabulary, and will learn to read simple sentences. They will be introduced to using a dictionary and grammar, and will learn how to take a critical approach to translations. Tutor: Anthony Armstrong, Tutor of Latin Venue: Thicknesse Room, The Deanery

12 Mindfulness Dates: Wednesdays 24 October 12 December, Saturday 1 December (full day) Time: pm Price: 200 (incl. CD set) What is mindfulness? It is paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, moment to moment, without judgement. There might be many reasons why you would consider participating in a Mindfulness programme. Whatever your reason, it will be an opportunity to become more aware of how life is unfolding and the way we approach that. We practise becoming present in a safe and nurturing space. We do this in periods of quiet meditation and while doing gentle exercises. You will be given CDs to practise and have opportunities to share your experiences with fellow participants. This course has a different application process. Please us (studycentre@stalbanscathedral.org) for an application form. Applications must be received by 17 October. Tutor: Caroline Waterstone, Mindfulness Teacher Venue: The Studio, St Albans Cathedral St Albans Cathedral Library The St Albans Cathedral Library is a modern theological lending library, containing books on theology, biblical studies, spirituality, philosophy, and ethics, among other disciplines. It also houses a local collection and resources on Abbey history. It is open daily during the week from 10am-2.30pm, and for 15 minutes before evening SACT and SACT+ courses. It is also open 10am-1pm on the first Saturday of the month. St Albans Cathedral Study Centre The Cathedral and Abbey Church of St Alban Sumpter Yard St Albans AL1 1BY studycentre@stalbanscathedral.org library@stalbanscathedral.org archives@stalbanscathedral.org St Albans Cathedral Study