What makes me tick?
Earlier this year, on retreat at St Beuno’s in North Wales, I came across the painting above for the first time and, for over an hour, sat in front of it, thrilled and absorbed. The artist Claudia Williams has picked up the first century visit of the pregnant Mary to her pregnant cousin Elizabeth (Luke 1. 39-56), transported it across the centuries and placed it lovingly down in a twentieth century Welsh kitchen.
Why front my website with a painting? You can find my more developed reflection about the painting here, but in summary, it stands as a signpost to the joy and illumination I find in the relationship between theology, spirituality and the arts of all sorts. But why this painting, of the very many I could have chosen? Perhaps because, just as the door in the painting opens onto a new future for both women, I too am on the threshold of something new and one in which I hope this website will play a part.
About me
I am an Anglican priest with a background in education living in Norfolk. I grew up here, the lanes and skies and coasts of this county deep in my DNA, so it’s been wonderful to return. I’ve served the Diocese of Norwich as Lay Development Co-ordinator, as Chaplain to the Bishop of Norwich and as Adviser in Spirituality and Discipleship. I recently stepped down from that last role, keen to have a tad more freedom and flexibility in my diary and to discern what might be next…
I’ve created a wide range of liturgical and study resources for use by individuals or small groups in parish or deanery. These include Mapping the Gospels as well as a further series of ‘maps’ exploring the liturgical seasons of the year. They are available here …. I spent the pandemic creating a raft of digital resources one set of which is still available here…. My Connect! series (exploring the relationship between faith and six pressing issues of our day) was completed during the first lockdown and is available here ….
On Sundays, I preach and preside all over the Diocese of Norwich. I’m also continuing to write. I lead Retreats and Quiet Days, am a member of the Diocesan Environmental Group, an Honorary Canon of Norwich Cathedral and a Chaplain to His Majesty the King.
Please contact me here if you think I could help you in any way.
