• The new ecumenical feast of God the Creator in Christ. This seminar will present the theological rationale for the feast and will introduce the new prayers and selection of biblical readings that the Church of England will provide for us to celebrate the feast. Led by Christopher Irvine - a member of the Assisi Conference working group and a consultant to the Liturgical Commission. Zoom detail will be circulated nearer the event.

There is an old saying that “you cannot create a first impression twice”, and so it is with any community, any parish. A visitor’s or a new parishioner’s view of the community around them is significantly shaped by the presence or absence of a welcoming atmosphere when they enter a church for the first time. Although the Ministry of Welcome, extends to all members of the community, a special responsibility falls on those who have come forward, or feel called, for this Ministry – very often the first people that a stranger will meet or speak to when entering the church for the first time – and you cannot create a first impression twice. Come and join this session to learn through sharing and fellowship how we can ensure a warm and "safe" welcome to all who enter our churches, whether new or seasoned church members - both in a practical and spiritual way. All are welcome! Please bring your own lunch. Led by Hazel Pudney, Warden for Lay Ministry ALM (Worship & Liturgy) and Churchwarden at Holy Trinity Church, Bosham.

The Reverend Nathanael Hayler, Rector of Winchelsea, Icklesham and Pett, explores the lives, spiritual practices and legacy of the early saints of the British Isles whose tenacity and faith helped shape Christianity in this land. Through figures such as Aidan, Hilda and Bede, we’ll consider how holiness was lived out and how evangelisation was practised in the Anglo-Saxon world. We will reflect on how the legacy of these early saints continues to speak into the Church and our own spiritual practices today.

Wine holds a powerful and multifaceted symbolism in Scripture, reflecting both the goodness of God’s creation and the complexity of the human experience. It often represents joy and celebration and is associated with feasts and weddings, symbolising the abundance and happiness that come from God’s blessings. Wine symbolises God’s covenant blessings, and carries deep spiritual significance, often representing the blood of Christ - a powerful symbol of sacrifice and salvation. This year’s Rural Conference, ‘BEING RURAL : BEING FRUITFUL’ will pick up on these themes from a rural perspective. For example, how does the vine’s planting, growth, pruning, and tendering relate to rural ministry? And how do we create the best spiritual ‘soil’ to enable rural churches to thrive? As well as a keynote speaker, a variety of rural practitioners will facilitate a number of Breakout Groups, focussed on the practical outworking of these themes. These will provide an opportunity for all, lay and ordained, who have a heart for rural mission and ministry to be inspired and encouraged. The venue for this year’s Conference is Plumpton College, itself an award-winning producer of wine and celebrating its 100th anniversary. Hence, the Conference will include a visit to the viticulture (wine-making) centre, as well as wine tasting! The Conference will conclude with a short Holy Communion Service. COST: £35 per person* (covers refreshments on arrival and before departure, a buffet lunch, wine-tasting, admin. costs, etc) *We do not want anyone to miss out! If cost is an issue, contact the Rural Officer (see details below). For more information please contact: Revd Gary Cregeen, Rural Officer For East Sussex Tel: 07749 904887 Email: Gary.Cregeen@chichester.anglican.org PROGRAMME 9.45 Registration & Refreshments 10.15 Welcome, Introductions & Opening Prayer 10.30 KEYNOTE ADDRESS: ‘FINDING MY ROOTS…’ - Revd Dr Mark Scarlata 11.45 Brief introduction to winegrowing and wine production at Plumpton College 11.50 Breakout Groups and Vine Centre/Land Visits 12.55 Lunch 13.45 Breakout Groups and Vine Centre/Land Visits 14.50 Wine-tasting 15.30 Shortened Holy Communion in St Michael’s Church, at the heart of College 16.00 Final Blessing BREAKOUT GROUP 1: PLANTING & ROOTEDNESS How do images of the vine and being rooted help our faith and cultivate rootedness in the wider community. BREAKOUT GROUP 2: GROWING & PRUNING What can we do to support growth in our rural churches? What might we need to prune (let go of) in order to grow? BREAKOUT GROUP 3: ABIDING & HARVESTING What does abiding (constant presence and connecting) and harvesting look like in rural churches? BREAKOUT GROUP 4: FEASTING & CELEBRATING How might we include these more in our local communities, i.e. agricultural celebrations, such as Rogation; also, Easter . BREAKOUT GROUP 5: WINE-MAKING & THE SOIL Half hour visit to Plumpton’s Viticulture Centre and half hour outdoors, reflecting on soil and the balance of life between plants, microbes, carbon, etc. especially as a model for church. Also, the miracle of life that happens underground before a plant ever comes to the surface. How might this encourage us when growth is often unseen and slow?

This event is for Readers, ALMs, Licensed Apostolic Workers, Church Army Evangelists and similar roles. As the Diocese of Chichester enters the Year of Mark with Advent 2026, we gather to celebrate the vital role of lay ministry in the life of the Church. Speakers include: Belinda Ramsay, Children and Families Advisor; The Revd Jamie Gater, Deputy Diocesan Director of Ordinands; The Revd Arwen Folkes, Vicar of St Mary's Eastbourne and The Revd Felix Smith, Associate Director of Leading your Church into Growth.This occasion invites us to reflect, renew, and be inspired to serve with hope, courage, and joy

The Archdeacon of Hastings, the Venerable Russell Dewhurst, speaks on the Church of England and the state. Since Elizabeth I, the monarch has been known as the Supreme Governor of the Church of England. But what exactly is the King’s role in the Church of England today?

Greg Moore takes a joyful wander through the story of carols—the music of Advent and Christmas—and how it came to sound the way it does. Christmas music pops up everywhere in English life: in churches and on street corners, in pubs, classrooms, and living rooms. It’s packed with memories, traditions, faith, and fun, telling stories that bring people together with warmth, hope, and a sense of belonging.

Join the Archdeacon of Chichester, as he speaks about Walter Hook (13 March 1798 – 20 October 1875), known to his contemporaries as Dr Hook, was an eminent Victorian churchman. He was the Vicar of Leeds responsible for the construction of the current Leeds Minster and for many ecclesiastical and social improvements to the city in the mid-nineteenth century. His achievements, as a High Churchman and Tractarian in a non-conformist city are remarkable. Later in life, he became Dean of Chichester.

‘An outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace.’ The Sacraments of the New Covenant are the work of Christ within his Body, the Church. The Sacraments, thus, are to be honoured and at the same time used by us: a gift, after all, has to be received as well as given. In more fully understanding these gifts and making as much use of them as we can, we come to more fully know and love the Giver of them. Join Fr Thomas Cotterill, Priest in Charge of St Andrew's, Worthing, for this fascinating conversation.