Calendar of Events

Session 11 this evening covers “The Church”, as part of the Big Picture.

Over 12 evenings during March, April and May 2017 we will be running the Big Picture Bible course as part of our Friday Night Fellowship Meetings.

The evenings will start with a short time of praise and worship at 8pm, watching the 15 minute DVD, followed by discussion in small groups with general feedback at the end.  The evening will finish with drinks 9.30pm.

For more see https://www.houseoftheopendoor.org/calendar/bigpicture

Session 12 this evening covers “The End Times”, as part of the Big Picture.

Over 12 evenings during March, April and May 2017 we will be running the Big Picture Bible course as part of our Friday Night Fellowship Meetings.

The evenings will start with a short time of praise and worship at 8pm, watching the 15 minute DVD, followed by discussion in small groups with general feedback at the end.  The evening will finish with drinks 9.30pm.

For more see https://www.houseoftheopendoor.org/calendar/bigpicture

Revd Canon Michael Mitton will be speaking at our Friday Night Fellowship Meeting for July.  Michael is a regular visitor to community who has spoken at our Friday nights before.

Michael will be speaking on “Seasoned by Seasons” –  the theme of his new book that is being published in September.

In our own journey through life we often experience different seasons of the soul – autumn losses, dark nights of winter, springtime discoveries and summer flourishings.

Using an imaginative exploration of bible stories, Michael will speak about how we can flourish in all seasons.

Join us as we seek the Lord together – All welcome

See the Diary for Friday night speakers on other dates

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Canon Michael Mitton is an Anglican priest and a freelance speaker, writer and spiritual director. He currently works in the mission department of the Derby Diocese and also leads a small church. He is author of a number of books including Restoring the Woven Cord, Dreaming of Home and Travellers of the Heart.

Jenny Baker will be speaking at our Friday Night Fellowship Meeting for August.  

Jenny will be speaking on “Living in the Spirit, in the 21^st Century”

Join us as we seek the Lord together – All welcome

See the Diary for Friday night speakers on other dates

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As Regional Coordinator for the Celebrate Catholic Charismatic Events,  Jenny spends much of her time travelling to the many weekend conferences to support the regional teams.  She has served the Celebrate leadership team since 2006 and previously worked within the Catholic Church presenting and producing Catholic Faith Exploration (CaFE) DVD resources.

She also speaks across the UK and beyond in parishes and at conferences.

She is Vice Chair of the English National Service Committee (NSC) for Catholic Charismatic Renewal.

15th September: The Holy Spirit and Freedom

“If the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed” John 8v.36

Beth will give a series of talks on the Holy Spirit at HOD on Fridays this Autumn.

• 15th September: The Holy Spirit and Freedom: “If the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed” John 8v.36
• 22nd September: The Holy Spirit and Atonement
• 29th September: The Holy Spirit and Empowerment.

The evening will begin with a worship time, followed by Beth’s talk.  All welcome.  

Please Contact Us with any questions

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Beth has approximately 30 years of experience teaching RE, Scripture and Philosophy in schools, as well as work in parishes and prayer groups in Birmingham.

Her qualifications include a diploma in Pastoral Theology, an MA in Catholic Theology, and she is currently studying scripture at PhD level at Birmingham University

22nd September: The Holy Spirit and Atonement

Beth will give a series of talks on the Holy Spirit at HOD on Fridays this Autumn.

• 15th September: The Holy Spirit and Freedom: “If the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed” John 8v.36
• 22nd September: The Holy Spirit and Atonement
• 29th September: The Holy Spirit and Empowerment.

The evening will begin with a worship time, followed by Beth’s talk.  All welcome.  

Please Contact Us with any questions

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Beth has approximately 30 years of experience teaching RE, Scripture and Philosophy in schools, as well as work in parishes and prayer groups in Birmingham.

Her qualifications include a diploma in Pastoral Theology, an MA in Catholic Theology, and she is currently studying scripture at PhD level at Birmingham University

29th September: The Holy Spirit and Empowerment

Beth will give a series of talks on the Holy Spirit at HOD on Fridays this Autumn.

• 15th September: The Holy Spirit and Freedom: “If the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed” John 8v.36
• 22nd September: The Holy Spirit and Atonement
• 29th September: The Holy Spirit and Empowerment.

The evening will begin with a worship time, followed by Beth’s talk.  All welcome.  

Please Contact Us with any questions

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Beth has approximately 30 years of experience teaching RE, Scripture and Philosophy in schools, as well as work in parishes and prayer groups in Birmingham.

Her qualifications include a diploma in Pastoral Theology, an MA in Catholic Theology, and she is currently studying scripture at PhD level at Birmingham University

”Then I will send rain on your land in its season, both autumn and spring rains, so that you may gather in your grain, new wine and olive oil.” 

^{(Deut. 11:14)}

Stop awhile in whichever season you find yourself to spend time with God, to be encouraged, refreshed, and strengthened to continue on your journey with Him.

The day will be from 10am – 4pm, and the suggested contribution is £25 per person, which will include refreshments and lunch.

For booking details please contact Lynda by email or phone – see Contact Us

For other “Seasons” Quiet Days next year, see Seasons – Quiet Days

John Waddoups will be the speaker at our First Friday Night Fellowship Meeting for November 

Join us as we seek the Lord together – All welcome

See the Diary for Friday night speakers on other dates

Creative Journaling Day
Why and how to keep a spiritual journal

What is the day about?

Throughout the centuries people have used what today we call journaling to help them reflect on their own faith journey. Keeping a journal is different to keeping a diary. Unlike a diary, which records what has gone on in the past, a journal helps us see what God is saying to us now.
During this day we will explore how powerful this tool can be and the different creative ways we can keep a journal. Being creative does not mean that you have to be good at art! We are all different and the way we compile our journal will be unique to each one of us. Participants will be encouraged to use whatever way suits them best. Some people like to keep their journal using words alone, either in prose or in poetry or in note form. Others like to incorporate something visual, .either collected from other sources or to create their own. Some like their journal to be organised, others prefer randomness. Throughout the day there will be opportunities to explore these and many other aspects of keeping a journal.
As journaling is about reflecting on our experience and what God is doing for us, the day will encourage those who come to create and keep a journal “for real” during the time we are together. We will therefore have time for personal reflection. It is out of these short times of quiet with God that we will work on our journal using lots of different techniques and ways so that we can keep the journal going back home if we wish.

What will happen during the day?   

The two morning sessions will look at:

• Why keep a spiritual journal?
• Journalling – where we are now on our faith journey and where we have come from.  

In the afternoon the two sessions will concentrate on:

• Journalling our relationship with the Lord today.
• Journalling what God asks us to become and do.

You will not be asked to show or share anything you do during the day with anyone else.

Who can come?  

Anyone! No previous journaling experience is necessary. All that is needed is a willingness to be open and to explore how our creativity can be a vehicle through which God can speak to us and we can listen to God.What should I bring with me?  
Everything you will need will be provided but if you have favourite pictures, photos, poems or prayers that mean something special to you bring them along, You may or may not use them.

Who will lead it?

Christine Dodd

Christine is a trained spiritual director and experienced retreat giver and the author of several books on spirituality and scripture.
For many years Christine was Director for Adult Formation in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Hallam, which is centred on Sheffield. Her work involved her in helping adults discover more about their faith and spirituality within parishes, the diocese and nationally.

How do I book?

Please see Contact Us to get in touch to book your place.

The day will be from 10am – 4pm, and the suggested contribution is £25 per person, which will include refreshments and lunch.

Our Third Friday night speaker for November is Andy Swinford.  Andy will speak on the theme “Experiences from the Desert”

All welcome.
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Andy Swinford lives in Birmingham where until his recent retirement he taught at King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Girls. He is an elder in his church, Pavilion Christian Community.

He has a particular interest in the writings of C S Lewis and has spoken about them at Hod before; he has also done presentations on the author’s work for churches in Birmingham.

He has contributed essays to the Zondervan book ‘The Christian Tradition in English Literature’ and has an MA in the poetry of Gerard Manley Hopkins SJ.

Our Third Friday night speaker for November is Andy Swinford.  Andy will speak on the theme “Experiences from the Desert”

All welcome.
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Andy Swinford lives in Birmingham where until his recent retirement he taught at King Edward VI Camp Hill School for Girls. He is an elder in his church, Pavilion Christian Community.

He has a particular interest in the writings of C S Lewis and has spoken about them at Hod before; he has also done presentations on the author’s work for churches in Birmingham.

He has contributed essays to the Zondervan book ‘The Christian Tradition in English Literature’ and has an MA in the poetry of Gerard Manley Hopkins SJ.

Our First Friday Night Fellowship Meeting for December – the speaker will be Brother Loarne Ferguson.

Brother Loarne will be speaking on the theme “We continued our Journey”

The Saturday morning following will be an Advent retreat day – Contact Us to book in to stay over night.

Join us as we seek the Lord together – All welcome

See the Diary for Friday night speakers on other dates

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Br. Loarne was consecrated as a member of the Capuchin Franciscan Order 24 years ago. He is now 48 years old and lives at Greyfriars in Oxford with five other religious brothers. For the last 12 years he has helped to form small groups dedicated to prayer and mission, while also holding the posts of university chaplain and retreat director. Currently he spends much of his time nursing one of the elderly brothers and looking after the Friary.

Key Christian interests: Divine change management for individuals and communities, prophetic ministry, and contemplative life.

Key human interests: creativity & culture, arts & crafts, relationships, food & books.

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens”

^{(Ecclesiastes 3:1)}

Stop awhile in whichever season you find yourself to spend time with God, to be encouraged, refreshed, and strengthened to continue on your journey with Him. 

The day will be from 10am – 4pm, and the suggested contribution is £25 per person, which will include refreshments and lunch.

For booking details please contact Lynda by email or phone – see Contact Us

For other “Seasons” Quiet Days this year, see Seasons – Quiet Days

Revd David Cook, previously vicar of Chipping Campden, will be speaking at our Friday Night Fellowship Meeting for February.  

David will speak on the theme “Discipleship – the Road to Maturity”

Join us as we seek the Lord together – All welcome

See the Diary for Friday night speakers on other dates

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Having spent almost the first four years of his life in a Prisoner of War camp in Japan, David was brought up in the Far East and the U.K.

After reading History and Theology at Oxford, he ministered in a housing estate in Chatham, followed by 18 years in South Africa, both in youth work and then in a large multiracial parish in Cape Town.  Returning to England, he was Team Rector at Newbury and then Vicar of Chipping Camden.  

David now lives with his wife in Bourton-on-the-Water.  The have four adult children and two grandchildren.

There will be no Friday Night Fellowship Meeting on Friday 23rd February.   Community members are attending a local intercession event.

On three Friday nights in March John Trimming from community will lead three reflections on The Gift of Grace…

+ Friday 9th March: Grace, Freely Given

+ Friday 16th March: Receiving Grace

+ Friday 23rd March: Grace Flowing Out

We will be reflecting on Luke chapters 1 and 2, reflecting on the story and the characters which show the motion of God’s grace towards us.  Grace is brought near (“the Lord is with you”); is received by Mary; and flows out through her visit to Elizabeth.

We will also look at the other characters in these chapters, and onwards into the beginning of the Lord’s ministry – when the kingdom is announced as “near (“The kingdom of God has come near” Mark 1 v 15).  So the flow of grace to which Mary said “yes” flows out through Jesus.

Mary the mother of the Lord has a unique place as a figure in the Bible, and in the story of Jesus.  “Favoured” by God, her response is immediate, courageous and trusting; she has been called the “first disciple”.

Reflecting together on these chapters will be an opportunity to be reminded that grace is the beginning, and the basis, of everything in the Christian life.  God’s grace is sufficient: we are all called to be “full of grace”, to surrender, receive, trust in, and flow with the river of grace God wants to send into our lives.

On three Friday nights in March John Trimming from community will lead three reflections on The Gift of Grace…

+ Friday 9th March: Grace, Freely Given

+ Friday 16th March: Receiving Grace

+ Friday 23rd March: Grace Flowing Out

We will be reflecting on Luke chapters 1 and 2, reflecting on the story and the characters which show the motion of God’s grace towards us.  Grace is brought near (“the Lord is with you”); is received by Mary; and flows out through her visit to Elizabeth.

We will also look at the other characters in these chapters, and onwards into the beginning of the Lord’s ministry – when the kingdom is announced as “near (“The kingdom of God has come near” Mark 1 v 15).  So the flow of grace to which Mary said “yes” flows out through Jesus.

Mary the mother of the Lord has a unique place as a figure in the Bible, and in the story of Jesus.  “Favoured” by God, her response is immediate, courageous and trusting; she has been called the “first disciple”.

Reflecting together on these chapters will be an opportunity to be reminded that grace is the beginning, and the basis, of everything in the Christian life.  God’s grace is sufficient: we are all called to be “full of grace”, to surrender, receive, trust in, and flow with the river of grace God wants to send into our lives.

On three Friday nights in March John Trimming from community will lead three reflections on The Gift of Grace…

+ Friday 9th March: Grace, Freely Given

+ Friday 16th March: Receiving Grace

+ Friday 23rd March: Grace Flowing Out

We will be reflecting on Luke chapters 1 and 2, reflecting on the story and the characters which show the motion of God’s grace towards us.  Grace is brought near (“the Lord is with you”); is received by Mary; and flows out through her visit to Elizabeth.

We will also look at the other characters in these chapters, and onwards into the beginning of the Lord’s ministry – when the kingdom is announced as “near (“The kingdom of God has come near” Mark 1 v 15).  So the flow of grace to which Mary said “yes” flows out through Jesus.

Mary the mother of the Lord has a unique place as a figure in the Bible, and in the story of Jesus.  “Favoured” by God, her response is immediate, courageous and trusting; she has been called the “first disciple”.

Reflecting together on these chapters will be an opportunity to be reminded that grace is the beginning, and the basis, of everything in the Christian life.  God’s grace is sufficient: we are all called to be “full of grace”, to surrender, receive, trust in, and flow with the river of grace God wants to send into our lives.

We have had to cancel our First Friday Fellowship Meeting for April.

We hope to invite our planned speaker Ian McDonald at a later date.

See the Calendar of Events for future events

The speaker for our First Friday Fellowship Meeting for May is Jane Holloway. 

Jane will speak on the theme “God on the Move – partnering with Him in prayer”

Join us as we seek the Lord together – All welcome

See the Calendar of Events for Friday night speakers on other dates

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Jane Holloway has been working to equip and encourage prayer across many denominations, organisations and churches for the past twenty five years. 

For the last 12 years she has been the National Prayer Director at the World Prayer Centre (Birmingham, UK) enabling her to travel and connect widely across the British Isles regarding prayer and mission.

She lives in West Oxfordshire, goes to a local Anglican church and loves to enjoy God’s creation, walking, gardening, playing tennis and hanging out with friends – when she is not working!

We regret this event has been cancelled.  Please contact us with any queries.

The Road to Freedom – Making the Word your Home

Jesus said “If you make the Word of God your home, you will come to know the truth – and the truth will set you free”.

Approaches to reflecting and meditating on the scriptures throughout the year, individually and in groups.

The sessions will be led by Tom Gorman, Ph D.

Saturday May 26 – Preparing for Pentecost. 

For other “The Road to Freedom” sessions this year, see The Road to Freedom

From 10am – 4pm

Suggested contribution is £25 per person, which will include refreshments and lunch.

For booking details please contact us by email or phone – see Contact Us

Andrew Pearkes will be speaking at our Friday Night Fellowship Meeting for June.  

Andrew will speak on the theme “Marantha – the healing Love of Jesus”

Join us as we seek the Lord together – All welcome

See the Diary for Friday night speakers on other dates

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Andrew Pearkes is the founder and leader of Maranatha Ministries.  Andrew regularly ministers in churches and conferences in the UK.

He also ministers in over 22 countries in America, Africa, Europe, the middle east and the Arctic. He has seen God heal, save and deliver many thousands of people over the last 35 years.

He has seen God do many extraordinary miracles, and has a heart to take God’s power to the nations, moving in a strong prophetic anointing and been used by God in churches across the nation and Europe. 

Andrew has a vision to train and equip the body of Christ to carry out the ministry of Jesus.

Andrew is a member of the International Association of Healing Ministries – http://healing-ministries.org/en/

At our Friday Night Fellowship Meeting for July, we welcome two leaders of Christian communities to share with us: John Proctor and Dominic McDermott.

Both come from communities which are part of the European Network of Communities (ENC) which HOD became part of last year. Both are visiting our community this weekend in July and will share the First Friday night talk.  

They will share about what the Lord is doing in their communities here in the UK, and also about the ENC and what God is doing through this network of communities across Europe.

For more information about the speakers, please see below.  

Join us as we seek the Lord together – All welcome

See the Diary for Friday night speakers on other dates

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John Proctor was born in 1953 in Liverpool, England, married in 1976 to Alicia with 4 sons and has 4 grandchildren in Ireland. He had a career in Financial Services as National & International Sales manager until age 50.  

After becoming involved in Charismatic renewal in mid 70’s, he founded the Alabaré Christian Covenant Community in 1984 which became a Lay Association of the Faithful in Canon Law in 2000.

Now living in Salisbury in SW England, John established Alabaré Christian Care & Support supporting homeless and vulnerable adults. They support around 2500 clients a year at a cost of £8million.

Upon leaving Financial Services in 2003 John and his wife established a nursery school and now has 7 schools. He also ran a guest house for the Community which has now developed into a young persons missional Community which he supports.

John was ordained a Permanent Deacon some 29 years ago, being the youngest in the UK at that time.

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Dominic McDermott, 56, lives in the UK and is a married Catholic member of two communities, one of which is a small Celtic community that he leads.

For the last fifteen years he was involved in a full-time prison ministry & before that was an ecumenical youth-worker.

He is a member of the national team and a key-intercessor for TJCII (Towards Jerusalem Council Two), an international ministry working to unite the gentile and Jewish parts of the Body of Christ.

He has been part of the ENC (European Network of Communities) Council for many years, responsible for the intercession and prophetic input and is part of their ACTs (Assisting Coaching Training seminars) team.

He lives a prophetic lifestyle and loves to teach on hearing from God. He is also an interpreter of dreams, a landscape gardener, a carpenter/locksmith with an M.Sc. in A.I. who makes swords and loves to sing!

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens”

^{(Ecclesiastes 3:1)}

Stop awhile in whichever season you find yourself to spend time with God, to be encouraged, refreshed, and strengthened to continue on your journey with Him. 

The day will be from 10am – 4pm, and the suggested contribution is £25 per person, which will include refreshments and lunch.

For booking details please contact Lynda by email or phone – see Contact Us

For other “Seasons” Quiet Days this year, see Seasons – Quiet Days

Teryl Bryant will lead us in a special Friday night on 20th July

Teryl is a well known Percussionist and Speaker – see www.voiceofdrums.com for his inspiring stories and clips.

The evening will be hosted in St Mary’s Church in Childswickham

Download a poster to share this event with friends

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It has been said “speaking your truth is the most powerful tool you have”.

I left school at 16 to pursue a rock ’n’ roll dream as a drummer. In my early 20’s I had a transforming faith experience and became a follower of Jesus.

Adventures in music brought the privilege of playing with many wonderful and well known artists and on the way stories emerged; stories of faith, hope and a love that is there for all.

I look forward to sharing these with you – Terl Bryant

There will be no Friday Night Fellowship Meeting on Friday 7th September

Join us for our next first Friday in October

CANCELLED… 

Apologies that our Friday night speaker has had to cancel due to poor health.  David’s visit is postponed.  

Our speaker for Friday TBC.

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David White will be speaking at our Friday Night Fellowship Meeting for October.   

David is a regular visitor to community’s guest house and a long standing friend.

The evening starts at 8pm with Praise and worship, followed by David speaking on the theme “What Jesus is doing in your life“.

Join us as we seek the Lord together – All welcome. 

No need to book.  The evening ends at 10pm with refreshments.

See the Diary for Friday night speakers on other dates

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David has had over 35 years as a church leader in many different parishes, from the inner city to rural to coastal to suburbia.

Throughout this time he  has known the joys and sorrows of pastoral ministry, its costs and delights.

He now devotes himself to preaching God’s Word, and encouraging a deeper walk in the Spirit.

Living in Cornwall, he is married to Ruth, has three sons, two daughters in law, and four grandchildren.

Richard Harvey’s visit to HOD in March was cancelled due to poor weather, but we are very pleased to announce that it has been rescheduled for this November…

The speaker for our First Friday Fellowship Meeting for November will be Rabbi Richard Harvey, speaking on the theme “Jews for Jesus“.

Richard is a UK based-Jewish believer in Jesus (Yeshua) who has served with the Church’s Ministry among the Jewish people (CMJ) and as UK Director of Jews for Jesus. He became a believer in Jesus in 1974 from a Liberal Jewish background. His and his wife’s story are told in “But I’m Jewish!”
In 1997 he joined the staff of All Nations Christian College, and left there in 2011 to become Senior Researcher with Jews for Jesus. His work involves writing and researching Messianic Jewish Theology, and also teaching, training and mentoring in the UK, Israel and worldwide. In 2013 he presented a paper at the World Congress of Jewish Studies at the Hebrew University, Jerusalem on the subject of Messianic Jews, and gave a Bible reading at the Lausanne Global Leaders Forum, Bangalore, India. He is presently working on books on Martin Luther and the Jews, a systematic theology of Messianic  Judaism, and an introduction to Supersessionism. His blog “On this day in Messianic Jewish history” traces the experiences of Jewish believers in Jesus from the days of the early church up to the present.
More information may be found on Richard’s website www.mmjt.eu

Please come and join us for a very interesting and informative evening. No need to book – just turn up! The evening concludes at 10pm with refreshments.

See the Calendar of Events for Friday night speakers on other dates

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Richard is a UK based-Jewish believer in Jesus (Yeshua) who has served with the Church’s Ministry among the Jewish people (CMJ) and as UK Director of Jews for Jesus. He became a believer in Jesus in 1974 from a Liberal Jewish background. His and his wife’s story are told in “But I’m Jewish!”

He taught Hebrew Bible and Jewish Studies at All Nations Christian College, UK, and was Academic Dean and Director of Postgraduate Studies. He is a past President of the International Messianic Jewish Alliance (IMJA). His PhD was supervised by Rabbi Dan Cohn-Sherbok and is published as Mapping Messianic Jewish Theology: A Constructive  Approach (2009). He is now Senior Researcher with Jews for Jesus, and spends his time writing, teaching, training, mentoring and drinking coffee in UK, Israel and around the world. His most recent book “Luther and the Jews: Putting Right the Lies” (Wipf and Stock, 2017) is a timely contribution to the celebration of the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation.

He is married to Monica, who is also a Jewish believer in Jesus, and has two children and three grandchildren. His website www.mmjt.eu and academia.edu page has many of his articles, presentations, power-points, etc.