The Devon Churches Rural Forum acts as an umbrella for various activities to support both our rural churches and our wider communities.
These include:
Developing Training opportunities for rural ministry and mission and for exploring farming and other rural issues.
We hope to be looking further into this area at our November 2021 meeting.
If you would like to receive, or can offer, training on any aspect of rural ministry, mission or specific rural issue, please email info@devonchurchesruralforum.org.uk and let us know what areas you are interested in.
Exploring models of Rural Ministry
We have recently completed some work which has resulted in the Lightening the Load toolkit for rural ministry. You can find this resource on the Growing the Rural Church website here
Further information on models of rural ministry can be found in our website section here, particularly the proceedings of our 2018 conference where various models were discussed in depth.
The Bright Field Community
The Bright Field Community is a community of Anglican clergy (currently) who meet to reflect theologically and to support each other on the shape and nature of rural ministry. The community is co-ordinated by Rev'd Simon Franklin. If you are interested in knowing more about the Bright Field Community, please contact Simon via brightfield@devonchurchesruralforum.org.uk
See also our Bright Field Community page
Farming Support and Market Chaplaincy
The Farming Community Network provides direct support to farming families through their network of volunteers. Training can also be offered to church based pastoral care teams to help understand some of the particular issues involved. If you would be interested in joining the FCN as a volunteer, or woould like some training in your church, please contact the Devon FCN Co-ordinator Colin Smallacombe who can be reached via colinsmallacombe.fcn@gmail.com or mobile 07999711950
Market Chaplaincy at the various livestock markets in Devon is co-ordinated by Andy Jerrard who also provides rural chaplaincy support for farmers. If you would be interested in working with Andy or joining one of the market chaplaincy teams, please contact Andy via andy.jerrard@tiscali.co.uk
Socio-economic issues and Community Engagement
Mr Chris Keppie and Rev'd Penny Body lead on this work strand for the Forum.
If you are interested in becoming involved in this work, or have areas of particular expertise (not limited to the suggestions above), please contact Penny on info@devonchurchesruralforum.org.uk or Chris on chris.keppie@exeter.anglican.org
Environment and Care for the Land
This strand of work is co-ordinated by Chris Keppie - Church and Society Team for the Diocese of Exeter.
Devon Churches Green Action group website can be found at http://www.dcga.org.uk/