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Home Short Courses Divine Ordinariness: A Poetry-Writing Retreat

Divine Ordinariness: A Poetry-Writing Retreat course

In this poetry retreat, which is suitable for complete beginners or experienced writers alike, you will be introduced to poets who help us discern the meaning and the divine in every day experiences. You will be encouraged to develop your writing skills, and given advice about how to structure your thoughts and reflections into poems, or to improve your writing if you are an experienced poet. You will also be introduced to different poems which help us reflect on the meaning and the divine in the ordinariness of life and there will be an emphasis on the poet priest tradition.

There will be a mixture of tutorial input and space to write, and there will be the opportunity to discuss your writing in the group and with the tutor. You will leave with lots of ideas to continue with your writing.

Manon Ceridwen James is a poet and contextual theologian based in north Wales, and is Dean of Bangor Cathedral. He poetry has been published widely in poetry magazines including Poetry Wales, Poetry Scotland, Envoi and also in the journal Practical Theology. Her collection, Notes from a Eucharistic Life was published by Cinnamon Press in 2023. She has led many writing workshops, including for Newport and Portsmouth Cathedrals, and is poetry editor of the journal Practical Theology.

Details

Dates & Times

10 - 11 Mar 2026

What our students say

Riveting!

Book of Revelation course

Someone on the course said it was ‘riveting!’ This was exactly what I felt. The course was a total joy because of the tutor’s handouts, excellence and Sarum College hospitality.

Faith is an imaginative adventure

The Very Revd Dr Mark Oakley

I admire the work and tone of Sarum College very deeply. It is a community that takes theology and spirituality seriously, not as hobbies but as pursuits into understanding, and engaging in, a complex world.

Sarum College reminds us that faith is an imaginative adventure and that it is shaped by a questioning joy.

Vibrant approach to theology

Fr Azariah France-Williams

I’ve been particularly struck by the refreshing approach to theological education here. In a world, and indeed within parts of the church, where faith can sometimes feel stagnant or out of touch, Sarum offers a vibrant and relevant alternative. The courses encourage a bold exploration of profound ideas, connecting with truths that lie beneath the surface and fostering genuine personal growth, which feels particularly significant as I approach my 50th year. This counter-cultural spirit, which embraces depth and challenges ageism and fear, is truly remarkable. Sarum is a place where individuals can be transformed by engaging with a living and breathing faith.

Well worth taking the time

Disability Theology: Theory and Practice

I took time to attend the course out of a busy working week and it was well worth taking that time. I have so many things to ponder and reflect on from this course and a helpful further reading list to keep me going for a few months! Thank you Sarum College

Netflix, Theology and Pastoral Practice

Peter Butchers on his MA in Theology, Imagination and Culture student experience

How do cultural tropes, like those found in Black Mirror, help bridge the gap between what academic theology espouses and what the everyday Christian believes? In his research as a student on the MA in Theology, Imagination and Culture, Peter Butchers explored platonic philosophy, digital theology and eschatology, and pastoral practice around death and dying.

Rewarding Sabbatical Stay

The Revd Greg Syler, is Rector of Ascension & St. George’s, Resurrection Parish in the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, DC USA, spent part of his ministry sabbatical at Sarum College in spring 2022.

His account of the experience begins: ‘I loved spending nearly three weeks of my ministry sabbatical at Sarum College earlier this year.

Not only did I rest, and rest well in the comfortable care of the Sarum College staff, I experienced very significant renewal and fresh insights.’

Divine Ordinariness: A Poetry-Writing Retreat