PARTNERS' PAGE
by Lizzie Nelson, current College partner
Training for ordination is a time of change, of journeying with God, and of being equipped and formed for the future; the challenge, the journeying and the formation for the future are no less important for partners - whether that's expressed alongside our partners as part of the community here in Cuddesdon, as part of our own work and lives apart from here, or as mothers and fathers.
At Cuddesdon, each of us, ordinands and partners, are encouraged and supported to journey together, growing in our unique vocation and preparing for a future in Ministry together.
Partners are full and welcome members of the Ripon College Cuddesdon commmunity. Whether living on site, in one of the nearby villages or further afield, partners are full members welcome to participate in any of the social, educational or worship activities of the ordinands. Partners and children are welcome to sign in for meals in College; and College tea at four o'clock every weekday also provides time and space each day for meeting and catching up.
We also have activities organised just for and by the partners themselves - for friendship, support and prayer for one another. On Mondays - partners night - we get together in the common room for a wide range of social activities. Sometimes we hang out with a glass of wine by the common room fire; sometimes we venture into Oxord for a meal or a film. We sometimes also have talks from staff or outside speakers particularly for partners - for example on themes like 'living in community', 'exploring our gifts' or 'journeying together'.
On Wednesdays at 10.00am we have DUNK - a coffee morning hosted by partners and open to everyone. Often full of small children playing, it's a lovely chance mid-week just to meet up for coffee and cake, and share some news.
On Friday mornings we have BE - small groups open to all partners. It's called Be because it's about Being together, Being with God, and Being ourselves. Spending time together with the bible, or talking about other books we're reading together, sharing our life here as partners, and praying for one another is a great source of support and nourishment for our own journeys with God.
Partners are welcome to sit in on any College lectures or activities the ordinands are following. Once a week we organise a creche so that those with pre-school children can sit in on a particular lecture - this term it's been the series on Spirituality. Some partners sit in on a wide range of lectures, including Greek classes, human development lectures, and the programme of the Oxford Ministry Course which take place on Tuesday evenings.
Other partners live further afield, or are working or studying full time. The College is very supportive of partners in their own roles and vocations and, for example, will work with ordinands to find a timetable which allows them to share childcare responsibilities to support their partner's work or study. Partners living further afield are welcome whenever they are able to come and be in Cuddesdon.
Partners at Cuddesdon are automatically full members of the Common Room and invited to join the Social Club, with the opportunity to elect the College Common Room President and to stand for any of the Common Room offices themselves if they wish. Many partners get involved along with the ordinands in providing activities for the College children'Cuddesdon Kids' on Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings, or with the village youth and toddler groups.
Overall, the College community is open and welcoming to partners and children, and provides many opportunities to get involved in all areas of College life. Individual partners can find their own way and participate in whatever activities meet their own interests and needs. If you're coming here as a partner we look forward to welcoming you!
For Partners' Stories, click here.
At Cuddesdon, each of us, ordinands and partners, are encouraged and supported to journey together, growing in our unique vocation and preparing for a future in Ministry together.
Partners are full and welcome members of the Ripon College Cuddesdon commmunity. Whether living on site, in one of the nearby villages or further afield, partners are full members welcome to participate in any of the social, educational or worship activities of the ordinands. Partners and children are welcome to sign in for meals in College; and College tea at four o'clock every weekday also provides time and space each day for meeting and catching up.
We also have activities organised just for and by the partners themselves - for friendship, support and prayer for one another. On Mondays - partners night - we get together in the common room for a wide range of social activities. Sometimes we hang out with a glass of wine by the common room fire; sometimes we venture into Oxord for a meal or a film. We sometimes also have talks from staff or outside speakers particularly for partners - for example on themes like 'living in community', 'exploring our gifts' or 'journeying together'.
On Wednesdays at 10.00am we have DUNK - a coffee morning hosted by partners and open to everyone. Often full of small children playing, it's a lovely chance mid-week just to meet up for coffee and cake, and share some news.
On Friday mornings we have BE - small groups open to all partners. It's called Be because it's about Being together, Being with God, and Being ourselves. Spending time together with the bible, or talking about other books we're reading together, sharing our life here as partners, and praying for one another is a great source of support and nourishment for our own journeys with God.
Partners are welcome to sit in on any College lectures or activities the ordinands are following. Once a week we organise a creche so that those with pre-school children can sit in on a particular lecture - this term it's been the series on Spirituality. Some partners sit in on a wide range of lectures, including Greek classes, human development lectures, and the programme of the Oxford Ministry Course which take place on Tuesday evenings.
Other partners live further afield, or are working or studying full time. The College is very supportive of partners in their own roles and vocations and, for example, will work with ordinands to find a timetable which allows them to share childcare responsibilities to support their partner's work or study. Partners living further afield are welcome whenever they are able to come and be in Cuddesdon.
Partners at Cuddesdon are automatically full members of the Common Room and invited to join the Social Club, with the opportunity to elect the College Common Room President and to stand for any of the Common Room offices themselves if they wish. Many partners get involved along with the ordinands in providing activities for the College children'Cuddesdon Kids' on Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings, or with the village youth and toddler groups.
Overall, the College community is open and welcoming to partners and children, and provides many opportunities to get involved in all areas of College life. Individual partners can find their own way and participate in whatever activities meet their own interests and needs. If you're coming here as a partner we look forward to welcoming you!
For Partners' Stories, click here.