For many years we have been an open group of people who have met twice yearly to enjoy the challenge of new theological ideas, great company, inspiring conversation, and good food. During the Covid pandemic we have replaced these physical gatherings with more regular online sessions. Although there’s no food, we have been pleased to welcome more people who might not otherwise have been able to attend.

Upcoming Sessions

These meetings are all held via Zoom, usually at 8pm (UK time). Please download and read our Online Protocols document to understand how our meetings work.

Online Protocols

16 Sep 2024

Residential 2024

Various speakers

When

Monday 16^th – Tuesday 17^th September 2024

We will begin with lunch (at 12.30 pm) on the Monday (arrivals from 11 am) and conclude with lunch (at 1 pm) on the Tuesday.

Where

High Leigh Conference Centre, Lord Street, Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire, EN11 8SG.

Accommodation includes ensuite bedrooms.

Programme

Our guest speaker at our residential is Nelson Kraybill. Nelson is known to many in AMN. He is an author and retired pastor who was Programme Director of London Mennonite Centre from 1991 to 1996. Since then he has served as President of Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary (1996–2009), and President of Mennonite World Conference (2015–2022). We are delighted he and Ellen will spend the two days with us.

Nelson’s recent book, Stuck Together: The Hope of Christian Witness in a Polarized World (Herald: 2023), explores how ancient Judaism, the early church, and the whole of Scripture engage polarities. It suggests that Christian witness in a fragmented world will be more attractive if believers find unity among themselves. However, unity does not mean unanimity, and contrasting perspectives can energize and strengthen faith communities. At the residential, Nelson will explore these themes with us. In addition, under the theme ‘War in Gaza and the Things That Make for Peace’, he will share with us his reflections of the eight months he and Ellen recently spent in the West Bank.

Also on our residential programme, Jeremy Thomson will lead us in an exploration of baptism in Anabaptist perspective in response to a recent report produced out of a dialogue between Lutherans, Mennonites and Roman Catholics on the subject.

As always, we will have time for discussion in sessions and over meals and tea breaks, and will share in evening prayer on the Monday. A detailed timetable and links to the baptism report will be sent ahead of the event.

Costs

Full Programme Residential: £150

Full Programme Non-Residential: £100

(Please note, non-residential excludes Tuesday breakfast)

Booking

Please follow the link below to book. The end date for booking is Monday 10th June 2024.

Booking Page

Past Sessions

One advantage of moving online is that we have been able to record the sessions and post them on our new Facebook channel. Please visit and have a look at the varied topics we have been exploring.

News

If you would like to be kept up to date about meetings then the best way is to sign up for our email updates. We will only get in touch to bring you news about upcoming meetings, so please click below and enter your details.