Following on from last week’s January Mission and Ministry bulletin, this is an important update that was due to be included in that mailing, but an administrative error meant it was missed. Our apologies for another email, but we wanted to make sure you had these dates for your diaries at the start of the year. Please read on and consider how these events could be a significant part of your mission and ministry strategy this year.
A note from the Revd Canon Dr Tim Lomax, Director for Mission and Ministry
Strengthening the mission and ministry of our churches is at the heart of our diocesan vision, and I am delighted to commend two significant opportunities taking place this year.
First, the Hope for Rural Churches Conference: Hope in a World of Change offers a space for encouragement, learning and shared discernment. I warmly encourage clergy, lay leaders, PCC members and anyone passionate about rural church life to come together for this valuable day. I am confident it will strengthen our shared commitment to seeing rural churches flourish in God’s mission.
Later in the year, the LYCiG residential at High Leigh provides another excellent opportunity for clergy and lay leaders to grow in confidence, vision and practical skills for church growth. LYCiG’s training has proved transformative for many churches, helping teams to deepen their discipleship and engage more effectively with their communities. I warmly encourage benefices to bring a group and invest in this inspiring weekend together.
Both events offer rich opportunities to be renewed in faith, encouraged in ministry and equipped for God’s mission. I commend them wholeheartedly and hope many across the diocese will take part.
Hope for Rural Churches Conference June 2026
Bookings now open!
Date: Saturday 6 June, 09:30 – 16:30
Location: Putteridge Bury
Join us for a day of inspiration, discussion, workshops and worship. Open to anyone with a heart for their local rural church. We encourage parishes or benefices to attend as a group.
We are delighted that Sally Gaze, Archdeacon for Rural Mission in the Diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich and Dave Middlebrook, Archdeacon of Bedfordshire will be our keynote speakers.
Pray for Rural Churches – online prayer meetings
To keep up momentum between conferences, the team have been holding online prayer meetings across the year to come together and pray for rural parishes.
The next one will take place on Zoom, on Wednesday 18 March from 8-8.30am. A zoom link will be sent out nearer the time for those who have registered interest in attending.
Leading Your Church into Growth Residential October 2026
Bookings now open!
Dates: Friday 16 – Sunday 18 October
Location: High Leigh Conference Centre
The next LYCiG residential training will take place at High Leigh Conference Centre in Hoddesdon from Friday evening on the 16 October to Sunday 18 October 2026.
LYCiG is a Christian organisation who equip church leaders and churches to grow both spiritually and numerically. Churches / Benefices are encouraged to bring a group of 4-8 people for this inspirational weekend.
The Revd Kathryn Alford from St Michael’s, Hatfield, talks about how LYCiG has been significant for their church here:
