LLM Conference – Follow the Way of Love…

Follow the way of love… speak to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort. As preachers, we are called to speak to people so that they hear. Last year, Rev Dr Kate Bruce spoke to the trainee LLMs and curates about preaching and the imagination. She calls for preachers to ‘ignite faith by sparking imaginative connections with the hearer’. Her focus on creativity and the sacramental nature of preaching is an invitation for preachers to honour God’s Word with their best use of words and images. The response was enthusiastic. ‘She was wonderful.’ ‘Kate gave me permission to enter into the story and tell it differently.’ We are delighted that she can return and speak again to a wider group of LLMs. Alongside Kate’s teaching, we will worship together, be encouraged through various workshops, and share in Holy Communion with Bishop Neil.

Speaker – Rev Dr Kate Bruce Some biographical information can be found at Meet the writer: Kate Bruce, Guidelines September–December 2020 – BRFonline

Workshop choices:

A. Speak to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort. Kate will lead a workshop which enables us to delve deeper into using our imagination and bodies to preach. How can we reach those who are new to the faith while offering rich treasures to those who have been following Jesus for many years? How can we preach something different to the usual fare when we are given a well-known passage? Join this workshop to discuss and learn.

B. Creative Expressions of Love In this workshop, you will take favourite verses of Scripture that describe an aspect of God’s love for you, and creating a visual or oral work that expresses something of this love to you personally. You will be encouraged and guided to the extent you wish. Materials and ideas will be provided but feel free to bring your own. Sharing what you create will be encouraged but not compulsory! Bring a Bible.

C. Finding Treasure in your Church and Community God gives generously but sometimes we forget. Do you want to help shift the energy of your church outwards to the local community? Are you keen to lead from a mindset of abundance not lack? Learn how to find the treasure in your local neighbourhood! This practical and inspiring workshop will help you nurture flourishing communities and engage your church in God's mission.

D. The Look of Love At the heart of Photography is the art of observation. In prayer we often speak of being still and paying attention to all that God might be saying to us. In photography we can look for the moment when God speaks to us as we gaze through the lens and squeeze the shutter. In this workshop we will reflect on capturing the image of God in people and landscapes through careful observation. We will learn some simple rules of composition that can lift our images. We will reflect on how the camera captures light and ways to use our camera or phone to create images that capture not just a scene but the feelings that it evokes within us. There will be plenty of time to go out and take pictures before returning to share what we have taken with others. Please bring: your usual camera or phone; some warm clothing and wet weather gear, and your eyes.

Timetable:

9.30am – Warm drinks

10am Welcome and Worship

10.30am – Keynote Speaker: Kate Bruce

11.30am – Coffee and Tea

12noon – Keynote Speaker: Kate Bruce

1pm – Lunch (provided)

2pm – Workshops

3.20pm – Closing Eucharist with Bishop Neil

4pm - Finish

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Host or Publisher Diocese of Bristol - CYPF