Life at NTC is never boring! The start of term found us giddy at the thought of being face-to-face in the same physical space for the first time in almost two years – it hasn’t disappointed.
We’ve gathered (risk assessed and with sanitation stations) for coffee; in class – using every available large space – for worship, in Chapel and pastoral groups. We’ve made time to pray, celebrate and mourn the loss of people we’ve loved. The rhythm of our days has picked up but we’ve had time to reflect too: are there things we discovered about ourselves under Covid that have cracked us open in new ways? Are there things to keep and learn?
Our team has driven new things forward: Revd Louise Kenyon developed Manchester Bible School into a regular delivery online and onsite – a load of people have joined classes in things like ‘Letters of John – Knowing the Love of God’ and ‘Theology of Lament and seeking the well-being of the community.’ Revd Dr MiJa Wi has started the new, “Bridging Worlds: Centre for East and Southeast Asian Christianities.” At the degree levels, our colleague, Mrs Anna Whitfield has talked with dozens of people about community development as a Christian way of changing the world – and we’re getting ready for us to launch new programmes. Her life and ministry as a connected community leader and church planter gives such strength to her leadership here.
As a faculty, we welcomed newbies: Robert Card, our librarian, and Jacob Lett, as Associate Dean. We also welcomed Siobhán Jolley as our new Digital Marketing Collaborator. We’re saying ‘God bless and farewell’ to Alia Pike and waiting to appoint her successor in youth ministry. As you can tell, a LOT’s going on and it’s GOOD! The college is alive and well, God’s at work and we can’t wait to see what unfolds.
