The district regularly runs training days for those involved in working within circuits and churches - the upcoming calendar of these events is available here. If you would like further information about any of the events listed please e-mail our District Training Officer Steve Jones.

If you would like to book a place on any course, please do so as soon as possible, both to ensure your place and to make sure that the course will run. Low numbers mean we may have to cancel. Last-minute booking is possible, but we can't guarantee you a place. All District run courses need to be booked in advance.

Please use the links below to skip to a particular month. A copy of the Training Calendar for January to July 2009 can be downloaded here (PDF file).

Tuesday, 13 January 2009

THE CHURCH, ECONOMIC UNCERTAINTY AND THE SOUTH WEST
Catholic Centre, Taunton

A one-day conference for everyone interested in the economic future of the south west, particularly in the light of the current economic climate. Organised by SW Churches Regional Forum.
Contact: Click to send an e-mail.

Monday, 26 January 2009

PIONEER DISCIPLE
St. Andrews Methodist Church, Shiphay (Torbay)

Taster session - the course itself starts on Monday 27 April. More information about the course is available on the Pioneer Disciple page.
Contact: Revd Dave Martin

Wednesday, 28 January 2009

PREPARING THE LOCAL CHURCH FOR MISSION
St. Leonard's Church, Exeter

Organised by the Peninsula Gospel Partnership, with speakers John Woodhouse (Principal of Moore Theological College, Sydney) and Richard Coekin (representing the 2010 nationwide Mission 'A Passion for Life'). Cost £12 (including refreshments but not lunch)
Contact: For further information please see the Peninsula Gospel Partnership website.

Thu 29-Sat 31 January 2009

CHRISTIAN RESOURCES EXHIBITION
Westpoint, Exeter

If you've never been to a CRE it's well worth going when it is down here in the south west. Admission is free and you can pre-register at their website.
Contact: For further information please see the Christian Resource Exhibition website.

Tue 10-Thu 12 February 2009

MINISTERS' REFRESHER COURSE
Brunel Manor

with Rev Steve Hollinghurst – a researcher and minister from the Church Army.
Contact: Steve Jones

Saturday, 14 February 2009 (tbc)

BASIC FIRST AID TRAINING
Red Cross, Exeter

for those working with Children and Young People - Exeter with the Red Cross. Cost £20, including training resources.
Contact: Steve Jones

Saturday, 21 February 2009

WELLINGTON AREA STUDY DAY
Wellington Methodist Church (Wellington)

for Local Preachers but all welcome
Contact: Prue Chard

Saturday, 28 February 2009

PASTOR IN EVERY CHURCH
Holsworthy Circuit

Developing Pastoral Ministries within the Local Church. In an age of reducing ordained ministry, how does the local church respond? Exploring Lay Leadership, the skills and arts of sustainable pastoral ministry and mission – a series of 3 Saturdays. A free pilot course with the Holsworthy Circuit looking to then spread the training throughout the District.
Contact: Steve Jones

SAFEGUARDING TRAINING
West Devon Circuit
10.00am-1.30pm

What we need to be aware of and put in place. A participative morning looking at how we offer care and support for children/young people (Safeguarding/Child Protection) and adults. The morning will be relevant to all who work with young people/children, pastoral visitors, Church council members, as well as anyone who is involved in the general care and support of those who may be considered to be vulnerable. The morning will be led by three members of the District Safeguarding Team. Whether you are experienced in Safeguarding or know nothing about it, there will be, potentially, something for you. Cost: Free.
Contact: Keith Elliott

'WITH INTEGRITY AND SKILL' – A PASTORAL SKILLS DISTRICT TOUR
Wellington Methodist Church (Wellington)
10.00am-4.00pm

With Rev Diane Daymond and Keith Elliott. Same day in 3 venues. Based on Report to Methodist Conference 2008 'With Integrity and Skill'. Pastoral Skills, Guidelines and Best Practice in a Changing World. Suitable for anyone involved in pastoral ministry in the church or the community - Ministers, Pastoral Visitors, Small Group Leaders, Pastoral Workers, Youth and Children's Leaders and others.
Contact: Steve Jones

Suday, 1 March 2009

FAITH SHARING SESSION
West Somerset Circuit

"An opportunity to dispel some of the myths about faith sharing, gain confidence in our own story, and discover together some ways of responding to those tough questions that people put to us." Part 1 of 2, there is a follow up session, date and venue tbc.
Contact: Dave Martin

Monday, 2 March 2009

PIONEER DISCIPLE
Ottery St. Mary Methodist Church (Sidmouth & Bridport)

Taster session - the course itself starts on Monday 27 April. More information about the course is available on the Pioneer Disciple page.
Contact: Revd Dave Martin

Saturday, 7 March 2009

LOCAL PREACHERS' CONSULTATION
10.15am, Wonford Methodist Church (Exeter)

Our preacher will be Paul Trenbreth, DDE for Wolverhampton and Shrewsbury, Local Preacher and Anglican Lay Reader. The Rededication will be led by District Chair, Revd John Carne.
Contact: Keith Elliott

Mon 9-Fri 13 March 2009

FACING IN FACING OUT CONFERENCE
High Leigh Conference Centre, Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire

Are you a Methodist Church lay worker, children's worker or youth worker? If so, you are invited to attend the Methodist Church national conference. The cost of the week is £150. Further information is available from the Methodist Church website, where a copy of the booking form can be downloaded.
Contact: Sanya Strachan

Saturday, 14 March 2009

PASTOR IN EVERY CHURCH
Holsworthy Circuit

For full details please see 28 February.

Monday, 16 March 2009

FISHNETS: THE FRESH EXPRESSION JOURNEY CONTINUES...
Chapter House – Exeter Cathedral
10.30am-3.30pm

Speakers: Richard Passmore (Frontier Youth Trust and 'Church on the Edge, Chagford'), Steve Jones (District Training Officer + NIGHTCHURCH), Mark Rylands (Diocesan Missioner), Martin Thompson (Diocesan Youthwork Adviser).
Contact: Lindi Ching (Diocese of Exeter)

Saturday, 21 March 2009

SAFEGUARDING TRAINING
Sidmouth Methodist Church (Sidmouth & Bridport)
10.00am-1.30pm

For full details please see 28 February.

Saturday, 28 March 2009

PASTOR IN EVERY CHURCH
Holsworthy Circuit

For full details please see 28 February.

Saturday, 4 April 2009

TRAINING AND SUPPORT DAY FOR CIRCUIT SAFEGUARDING LINK PEOPLE
11.00am-4.00pm, venue tbc
Contact: Keith Elliott

Saturday, 18 April 2009

'WITH INTEGRITY AND SKILL' – A PASTORAL SKILLS DISTRICT TOUR
Plymouth Methodist Central Hall (Plymouth Mission)
10.00am-4.00pm

For full details please see 28 February.

Saturday, 25 April 2009

PAYING ATTENTION TO JESUS
St John and St Francis CE School, Bridgwater
10.00am-4.00pm

An ecumenical event organized by the Plymouth and District Methodist Church and the Diocese of Bath & Wells, and led by Ann Morisy. The cost of the day is £10 per person.

By paying attention to the way Jesus lived his life on earth we begin to see how it is possible to 'perform' the Gospel. Might it be that when we have a go at 'doing it like Jesus' virtuous and gracious process gets triggered? Our commitment to social action and community involvement provides a platform for us to 'do it like Jesus' and this in turn brings authenticity to the Church, a story rich life to those who get involved, builds social capital - and provides an oblique but potent strategy for mission – a genuine virtuous circle.
Contact: Keith Elliott

Friday, 8 May 2009

QUESTION TIME
Torbay (exact venue tbc)
7.30pm

With Bishop Michael Langrish (Bishop of Exeter), Bishop Christopher Budd (Roman Catholic Bishop of Plymouth) and Revd John Carne (Chairman of Plymouth and Exeter Methodist District)
Contact: Steve Jones

Saturday, 16 May 2009

DISTRICT WORLD CHURCH DAY
Bideford Circuit

"Stemming the Tide of Climate Change" and a focus on Malta.
Contact: Revd Geoff Hays

DISTRICT LOCAL PREACHER STUDY DAY
Tavistock Methodist Church (Tavistock)
10.00am-4.00pm

Communication and Ministry in a Changing World, Trends in Society, Rediscovering the Jesus-Model of Ministry and Story. With Steve Jones (to be repeated in South Molton in June)
Contact: Steve Jones

Saturday, 6 June 2009

'WITH INTEGRITY AND SKILL' – A PASTORAL SKILLS DISTRICT TOUR
Wonford Methodist Church (Exeter)
10.00am-4.00pm

For full details please see 28 February.

Thursday, 18 June 2009

SUPERIVISION AND LINE MANAGEMENT
Bovey Tracey Methodist Church (Newton Abbot)
10.00am-4.30pm

Do you have to manage or supervise someone? A day looking at methods of supervision, managing people and projects - for those who manage or supervise project workers, ministers, youth workers, children and family workers, community workers, etc. The cost of the day is £20, including training resources.
Contact: Steve Jones

Saturday, 20 June 2009

DISTRICT LOCAL PREACHER STUDY DAY
South Molton Methodist Church (South Molton)
10.00am-4.00pm

For full details please see 16 May.

Saturday, 27 June 2009

1100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE DIOCESE OF EXETER
Exeter Cathedral and other City Centre Churches

On 27 June 2009, at Exeter Cathedral and surrounding areas, we are planning for the arrival of 2000–4000 pilgrims from various denominations. The Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams, is celebrating and preaching at the Eucharist at 11.30 am on the Cathedral Green, lunch stations will be available on the Cathedral Green from 1.00 pm.

From 3.00 – 4.30 pm, seminars on relevant issues for God's Mission here in Devon will be on offer across the city centre. Special Children's activities will be on offer in the Bishop's Palace Garden from 2.45 - 4.45 pm. From 2.00 - 5.00 pm, Life on the Beach events will take place on the Cathedral Green. The day will finish with Songs of Praise at the Cathedral.
Contact: Lindi Ching (Diocese of Exeter)