Conference in 2010 was based in Nottingham and centred on the theme 'Bread for the World : Living the sacraments with scare resources'.

One member of the Society for whom this was their first Conference sent round the following reflection.

I have returned from a great SCP international conference held in Nottingham.  There was plenty of mirth and merriment, and I guess it has to be said,  worship mostly centred upon our Blessed Virgin Mary.

But on a serious note, it was my first conference and it was absolutely amazing to be part of a gathering of like minded people. A real highlight was the after dinner speech of Bishop Jack Nicholls on Thursday - he did heaven and hell with both humour and immense poignancy. But equally our opening talks from Sister Rosemary (Community of the  Holy Name) and Rev'd Dr Alison Millbank  grounded us in the joy and pain of eucharistic ministry - not least Sister's words as priest in a community in which not all recognize the ordination of women.

And our preachers - Rev'd Canon Joe Kennedy and Rev'd Canon Andrew Nunn - both engaged with, and explored with us, our eucharistic communities. Fr Joe  focusing on eucharist and thanksgiving - do we really show in our ministry that we give thanks and rejoice? - and if we showed that we give thanks every day of or lives how much more would our Lord be revealed in and to the world?  Fr Andrew focusing upon our hands - hands that our Lord uses - wounded, scarred and yet very much hands that God chose - not on the basis of our sexuality, gender, personality or intelligence - simply for who we are. Wow!

On the last day we heard from 3 synod reps the importance of the need to be to be together and organised in a time of uncertainty.  And also to encourage from amongst our SCP chapters and churches the nomination of like minded people - lay and ordained - for our synods  - not least because of the discussions, debates and votes that will happen over the next few years. One powerful reflection Fr Andrew gave was that the vote - when passed  - should have been cause for rejoicing and celebration - yet given the pain that was felt amongst some members of synod, nobody felt able to show rejoicing?!

So my closing comment is thank you to all for being the ordained deacons & priests in this chapter and diocese - it really does mean a great deal in terms of spiritual support and companionship! On the grounds of gender, sexuality and all other potentially 'contentious issues'  for the Church, we give thanks that as SCP we come together in such spiritual, and sacramental unity.

For my sisters and brothers who have not yet been to a conference, and for those who have and will continue to, here's to Bangor 2011.

Alison Milbank's amazing paper on the eucharist in situations of scarcity can be downloaded here.

Joe Kennedy's sermons delivered at Southwell Minister and the Shrine of Our Lady of Egmanton are available here and here.

Andrew Nunn's sermon at the closing Eucharist can be downloaded here. 

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