Resources and Information 

 

Quiet Days at Crowhurst Christian Healing Centre

‘Digging Deep: Encounters at the Wells of Scripture’

A significant feature of the CCHC grounds is the well, dug by Howard Cobb in 1932 when the existing water supply proved insufficient for the buildings. Cobb recorded that the well had to be deeper than anticipated: water was not found at the expected 40 feet, but only at 80 feet. Quite literally, they had to dig deep—a phrase that resonates with us today.
 
In our 2026 series of Quiet Days, we too will be ‘digging deep’, as we explore the theme of biblical wells—some named, others known by their place and story. In Scripture, wells are rich in meaning across both the Old and New Testaments. They speak of God’s provision of life-giving water, become places of divine encounter (as with Hagar and the Samaritan woman), and carry covenantal significance, such as when Isaac reopens the wells first dug by Abraham to reaffirm God’s promises.
 
Throughout this series of Quiet Days, we will reflect on both well-known and lesser-known wells, allowing their stories to speak to us afresh and to reveal unexpected depths for our own spiritual journeys.
 
14th February:    Hagar’s Well              Suzanne Owen *
22nd April:          The well of rescue     Steve Gendall
24th June:            Jacob’s well                Suzanne Owen
25th July:             Well of unknowing    Steve Gurr
8th August:         The midnight well      David Mayhew

*Hagar is a slave in the Old Testament who had a very difficult time and ran away. She ended up by a well and had a life changing, divine, encounter which was transformational for her. The encounter enabled her to `dig deep` and enabled her to carry on.
Does anything in Hagar`s story resonate with you? Join us on this first quiet day of 2026 as we `dig deep` in our own tough times to encounter God who sees us, and enables us to find the ability to carry on.
 
Quiet Days are an opportunity to receive and reflect on the input from our Chaplaincy Team. To enjoy Christ centred, Spirit led worship. To be quiet in what is far too often a very noisy world and to enjoy good homecooked food and refreshments.
 
Join us in person at CCHC (10am - 4pm).  Price includes morning refreshments, a 2 course lunch, afternoon refreshments & cake and use of the facilities here, including our fully equipped Art room.  Alternatively, join us online, via Zoom.
£38 per person to include refreshments and a 2 course lunch.  £17 per person online.
 
To book: 01424 830204 or https://www.crowhursthealing.org.uk/programme.php 

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Youthscape Essentials

Youthscape Essentials provides all-round training for every volunteer youth leader. It’s also ideal for those who are new to youth ministry, those with no formal youthwork training or anyone returning after a gap.

The course covers 30 essential elements of youthwork, delivered across 10 sessions or in a way that works for your context. Each session is divided into three parts; providing ‘Insights’ into the lives of young people, learning ‘Practical Skills ’ to assist with youth work, and reflecting on love as the foundation for youth ministry, to 'develop character'. Whatever your role in youth ministry; whether paid or voluntary, Sunday morning bible studies or mid-week youth groups, regular baptism classes or occasionally helping out, then Youthscape Essentials is for you! 

The next available course date is:

• 13 Apr 2026 (Mondays, 7.15pm-9.15pm (8 Sessions))

It’s also possible to host the course for those in your church or community. Just sign up to attend a Hosting Workshop on the YSE webpage to find out more.

Weblink: For further info, check out the FAQs on our webpage: www.youthscape.co.uk/yse 

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The College of Preachers 

 

Preaching Easter to Pentecost

Saturday, 7 February 2026, 10.30-13.00 | online via Zoom
Workshop leader: Martin Little
Easter is the great festival of the Christian Church - the heart of the good news of Jesus. But the story of Easter doesn't end at Easter. In this workshop, we will explore how to preach for the three festivals of Easter, Ascension, and Pentecost, and will also look at the post-resurrection encounters that take us through the season of Eastertide. This workshop will be led by The Revd Martin Little, Vicar of Holy Trinity, Headington Quarry, Oxford. Martin has previously ministered in an area of significant social deprivation within Somerset where, together with The Revd Jo Stobart, he was part of the initiative Grass Roots Theology, bringing free open-access theology days to locations around Somerset. Booking closes 4 February 2026

Preaching with Power: How to Prepare & Deliver Effective Sermons

Thursday, 12 February 2026, 10.30-13.00 | online via Zoom
Workshop leader: Samuel Thomas
Powerful preaching enables us to reach hearts and minds, to challenge, to comfort, and to present the good news of Jesus in a persuasive way. A powerful sermon requires careful preparation, clear structure, and effective delivery. This workshop will look at how we as preachers can prepare and deliver sermons that enable us to preach with power. In our preparation and delivery, Holy Spirit is present with us. The Revd Samuel A Thomas, MTh, FRSA is an ordained bishop and pastor in the New Testament Church of God (UK) Pentecostal denomination, with over 30 years preaching experience. Booking closes 9 February 2026

Preaching with the Lectionary

Thursday, 12 March 2026, 10.30-13.00 | online via Zoom
Workshop leader: Stephen Wright
For preachers in those denominations that use the lectionary, it can be a powerful tool. But the lectionary can also sometimes feel restrictive. This workshop will look at how we can best use the lectionary to create meaningful sermons that bring the scriptures to life for our congregations today. This workshop will be led by the Revd Dr Stephen Wright. Prior to his retirement, Stephen was Vice-Principal of Spurgeon's College. He is an experienced tutor in biblical studies and practical theology. He was formerly Director of the College of Preachers, and has authored several books on preaching. Booking closes 9 March 2026

Preaching and Poetry

Monday 16 March 2026, 10.30–13.00 | online via Zoom
Workshop leader: Michael Hopkins
Poetry has always been part of God’s way of speaking: woven through the psalms, the prophets, and even the words of Jesus himself. Yet in our preaching, poetry can often be overlooked or flattened into prose. This workshop will explore how poetry can deepen our preaching: by sharpening imagery, stirring the imagination, and helping us proclaim God’s truth in ways that touch both heart and mind. This workshop will be led by the Revd Dr Michael Hopkins. Michael is an ordained minister in the United Reformed Church with more than 25 years' preaching experience. He currently serves as Moderator of the URC's Wessex Synod, and has previously served and Clerk of the URC General Assembly. Booking closes 12 March 2026

How to Use Humour in Preaching

Monday, 23 March 2026, 10.30-12.00 | online via Zoom
Workshop leader: Paul Kerensa
You may already use humour in your preaching. You may have run a mile from it. You may know what style of humour works for you. You may have no idea. Let’s look at some ideas for writing comedy and using it in your storytelling - as we bring the greatest story ever told to fresh ears. Come ready to write and get creative - and bring some jokes or tales if you like… but no pressure! This workshop will be led by Paul Kerensa. Paul is a writer, comedian and broadcaster, working in TV, radio, print and the stage. Paul has been on the writing team for numerous BBC sitcoms and other programmes. His books include So a Comedian Walks Into a Church (DLT), Hark! The Biography of Christmas (Lion), and a range of children’s books, including the new Fantastically Faithful series (SPCK). Booking closes 19 March 2026

Preaching to the Non-Religious

Wednesday, 15 April 2026, 18.30-20.30 | online via Zoom
Workshop leader: Gus Tanner-Ihm
All preachers will have moments when their congregations will include those who are non-religious. How can we preach in ways that will speak to them and communicate the gospel effectively? In this workshop, we will explore this question, looking at language and style of preaching and how we can reach the non-religious with an invitation to hear and respond to the Good News. This workshop will be led by the Revd Dr Gus Tanner-Ihm. Gus is a Church of England priest in the Diocese of Manchester. He is actively engaged in racial justice initiatives and efforts to help the Church grow younger by fostering greater engagement with children, youth, and young adults. In addition to his parish ministry, Gus is also a theological educator. Booking closes 10 April 2026

Lessons for the Preacher to Learn from Jack Reacher

Monday, 27 April 2026, 14.00-16.30 | online via Zoom
Workshop leader: Laurence Twaddle
We, as preachers, have a lot to learn from the discipline of keeping our content and presentation tight, stripped of padding, focused on the idea. The Jack Reacher style of communication has pace, vividness, and engagement while avoiding jargon, showmanship and ego. In this workshop, we will explore how we, as preachers, can learn to harness this style of communication to convey the great truths of the Gospel. This workshop will be led by Laurence Twaddle. Now retired, Laurence was for many years a Church of Scotland minister whose ministry covered parishes in town and countryside and latterly eight years in Geneva. In the course of his ministry, he supervised several new ministers in training. He is a regular contributor to The Preacher magazine. Booking closes 23 April 2026

Further details, including pricing, and booking links for workshops and the conference can be found on the College of Preachers’ website, www.collegeofpreachers.co.uk/events.

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Baptists Together

 

Baptist Assembly 2026 United in Mission: Gathering and Sharing

Harrogate Convention Centre
15-17 May 2026

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