2010 Calendar of Events for August

Theme

Date

A Taste of Africa
The week will include a child-friendly look at life in rural Africa: looking after babies, fetching water, carrying potatoes to market, shooting a bow and arrow, shelling peanuts and making peanut butter. Plus making music and making some simple songs in Swahili and playing games. In Chapel, some liturgies from Africa will be used. There will also be opportunities during the week to learn some Swahili, look at the challenge of inculturating Anglican worship, learn how to cook mandazi (African doughnuts), make soya milk and other African dishes and more. Ian Tarrant and Sally Barton, who will lead the week, will also bring with them a large collection of artefacts from their ten years in Africa.
Karibu! Welcome!
Ian Tarrant and Sally Barton have been coming to Bradwell since the 1970s. Ian is currently Rector of St Mary’s, Woodford. Sally teaches maths at Leicester University. They lived in DR Congo as CMS Mission Partners from 1988 to 1998, where Ian was involved in the theological education and preparing a new prayer book. Sally was involved in primary health care and working with women.

Creation
The Darwin anniversary has put the biblical account of Genesis under pressure yet again. But do we have to decide between creation and evolution? To put these questions into perspective, we will explore (i) how the doctrine of creation was formulated in the early Church; (ii) how the Christians of the first few centuries interpreted Genesis; (iii) what the messages of Genesis are if we read them in the cultural context in which it was written; and (iv) what kind of doctrine of creation might be viable in our own cultural context.
Thought-provoking sessions led by Rev. Professor Frances Young OBE (Mon 9-Thurs 12 Aug 2010). Alternative activities for children will be arranged.
Reverend Professor Frances Young OBE was a Professor of Theology at the University of Birmingham and a Methodist minister. She is also the mother of a profoundly handicapped son and her book “Face to Face”, known to many Community members, is an essay in the Theology of Suffering which came from this experience. Before retiring, she became pro Vice Chancellor of the University of Birmingham and received an OBE for services to theology. She is a Patron of the Othona Community.

Expression, not Perfection!
This art week, led by Marie Eve will include various genres, 2D (painting, sketching) and 3D (sculpture, installation art and performance art) and aim at releasing the creativity in everyone by breaking down pre-conceived ideas about ‘What is Art?’ and any doubts about their own abilities to be creative. ‘Expression, not Perfection’ will be the motto for the week, opening the door to experimentation with materials and ideas in a fun interactive environment unlocking the creativity we all have. Come along and surprise yourself!
Marie, a working artist based in Bradwell-on-Sea, has a BA in Fine Arts, a nursing degree, counseling qualifications and is an NLP Practitioner which over her working life has provided opportunities to work in various medical and clinical situations as well as in thearts. She is now dedicating her time fully to her studio practice, exhibitions and community based Art.

Exploring Space and Time:
The Natural History of the Universe
Come and observe stars, planets and galaxies on clear evenings with the guidance of Dr Roger Noble, an astronomer at Jodrell Bank Observatory, who will bring a large computer-guided telescope and explain some of the latest understanding of space through illustrated talks designed for interested children as well as adults.
Dr Roger Noble has worked at the Jodrell Bank Observatory for over thirty years. Currently, he designs instrument control software for the new e-Merlin system. Roger leads regular astronomy weeks at Othona Burton Bradstock.