The Greater London Presence and Engagement Network (PEN) which is based at the Contextual Theology Centre, is offering a dynamic programme of information and debate via two events on Monday 18th February in the London Bridge area. They have been deliberately designed to work together as one seamless garment or as two stand alone items.
Making Sense of the Census
2.30 – 4.00pm at Trinity House, 4 Chapel Court, Borough High Street, London SE1 1HW
The afternoon will look at:
– The big picture from the 2011 Census figures nationally and for (Greater) London
– The key headlines
– What the stats tell us (and what don’t they tell us)
– How to avoid the traps of misinterpretation and respond to tabloid oversimplification
– How the data will be accessible on a parish by parish basis
We will offer tools for working with the data and other sources to read alongside. There will also be opportunity for theological reflection and to think through using the data in a mission action plan. Building partnerships is built in to the afternoon. As well as a question slot there will be chance to discuss how to repeat the session at a Deanery, Churches Together or PCC event.
There is then opportunity to grab a bite to eat (many local venues providing a variety of fare) and attend evensong (choral) at Southwark Cathedral (5.30)
Guardian or Gatekeeper, Faith in the Public Space and the role of the Church – The PEN lecture
6.30 for 7.00pm
St George the Martyr, Borough High Street, London SE1 1JA
The Dean of St Paul’s, The Very Revd Dr David Ison draws on his experiences as Dean of Bradford and his sabbatical travels (in early 2012) to reflect on Christian-Muslim (and other inter faith) relations in very different contexts and how that might inform his work in London. There will be opportunity to respond as part of the evening. Previous PEN lectures have been ‘Sharing the Gospel of Salvation’ by Dr John Azumah and ‘What do we bring to the Party; The Mission of the Church in a multi faith neighbourhood’ by The Revd Dr Toby Howarth.
These events are open to all (lay or ordained) interested in ministry and mission in our great world city. To ensure we have sufficient spaces and tea cups please do register for either or both by emailing pen@theology-centre.org