Visiting the Urban Theology Unit in Sheffield

Last week I was invited to take part in the dedication of the new learning suite and library for the Urban Theology Unit in Sheffield. UTU has now moved into the Victoria Hall in the centre of the city and the new facility is open and welcoming and, to my great delight, contains many, many, many books.

Gathering for the dedication of the learning suite

 UTU will not be training students for ordained ministry after the end of this year, but it will continue to offer academic and less formal courses with a particular emphasis on urban theology and discipleship in the city. Its new location means that UTU will continue to be a community of study and commitment, based in the inner city.
We gathered in the learning area for the rededication and then moved upstairs into the church for a service of thanksgiving in which I preached and which was led by the Director, Revd Dr Noel Irwin.
After a generous and very tasty lunch we gathered together again for a conversation between Noel , Revd Dr John Vincent and Revd Dr Ian Duffield.
It was a day when we marked a new stage in the journey for UTU, gave thanks for the past, looked with hope to the future and engaged in stimulating discussion.
If you are in Sheffield, do visit UTU in their new home.