I’ve been working with SCM for about a month now, so I thought it was about time I introduced myself properly. I’m Emma, and I’ve taken on the role of Regional Development Worker (North-East) and Faith in Action Project Lead (how’s that for a job title and a half!) I’m based in Leeds, and alongside my work with SCM I’m doing a part time MA in philosophy. I’ve been involved with SCM since my undergraduate degree, and I’m very excited to be here working with an organisation I love.
In terms of regional work, I’ll be working with groups, churches and chaplaincies in the North-East of England and Yorkshire, to recruit new link churches and grow our membership in the region, and to support the existing groups and members in the brilliant work they’re doing. I’m very excited to get to know them all. I’ve been getting in touch with the group leaders and churches so far, but I’m bound to have missed some, so if you’re in the North-East or Yorkshire do get in touch and say hello. I’d love to hear from you!
So far, the first adventure I’ve had was to visit Durham JAM (Joint Anglican and Methodist society) for their reunion event. It was great to meet a lovely group, share worship together and hear about social justice projects in the region (as well as sharing some killer salted caramel chocolate cake). I look forward to seeing them again in the next academic year.
On the Faith in Action side of things, I’ll be leading our campaigns work and inspiring students across the movement to take action on social justice issues from the perspective of faith. I’ll be exploring faith reflection with students, based on the ‘See/Judge/Act’ method found in liberation theology. I’ll also be creating resources and events around vocation, helping students to find their calling in the world, and explore how they can live out their faith in their daily lives.
For now, I’ve been reading up on the theology of Bonhoeffer, and being inspired by his life, faith and radical theological ideas – I’ve written a couple of blog posts on discipleship if you want to share some of this inspiration. Over the next month or so I’ll be creating some new workshops to offer to groups, so if you have any suggestions or comments on what you’d like to see, do get in touch and let me know!
It’s been brilliant working with SCM so far, and I can’t wait to see where my work takes me next.