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Westcott House Cambridge

@westcotthousecam.bsky.social
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Official account of Westcott House, Cambridge. Founded in 1881, we are a theological college that prepares people for ministry in the Church of England and offers theological education, training and research opportunities to clergy and lay people.

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Westcott House Cambridge @westcotthousecam.bsky.social · 23m
It has also been such a joy to welcome our new colleague and Director of Contextual Training, Revd Ayodeji Audu who joined our staff team last month. Following his licensing last week by the Bishop of Ely, it was great to see Ayo presiding at our Quiet Day on Friday. 📷thanks Charlotte!
Revd Ayodeji Audu, our new Director of Contextual Training, presiding over the Eucharist at our Quiet Day on Friday.
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Westcott House Cambridge @westcotthousecam.bsky.social · 38m
Few pics from Thursday where we gathered as a new community for the first Eucharist of the new academic year. Presiding was our chaplain, Revd Canon Nick Moir, assisted by some of our returning students in the altar party, as we took joy in welcoming our newcomers to Westcott’s chapel. 📷Thanks Alli!
Westcott's community seated in chapel for the first Community Eucharist with our chaplain, Canon Nick Moir pictured at the altar as he presides over the service, assisted by some of our returning students. Three altar servers kneeling before the chapel altar as our Chaplain, Canon Nick Moir, prepares to serve Communion at the Community Eucharist.
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Westcott House Cambridge @westcotthousecam.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
At the end of a busy induction week at Westcott House, it was good to pause together for our first Quiet Day of the year. Through the day, our Principal, the Revd Dr Helen Dawes led our community in reflection on our calling and our identity in relation to God.
Text overlay on a picture of the chapel bell, inset with a smaller photo of Revd Dr Helen Dawes, Principal of Westcott House who led today's Quiet Day. Text reads: “Jesus asked his disciples, ‘Who do you say that I am?’ Simon Peter replied, ‘You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.’ It’s a critical moment. And we are here because we, like Peter, have recognised who Jesus is, and because that recognition has had consequences for who we know ourselves to be and for the whole of our lives.”
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Westcott House Cambridge @westcotthousecam.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
At our first Community Eucharist of the new academic year, our Principal, the Revd Dr Helen Dawes, encouraged us to find inspiration for our service in God’s church in the words of Hebrews 12:22 and the promise we find there of the connection between heaven and earth through Jesus Christ.
Image: Revd Dr Helen Dawes, Principal, Westcott House. Quote: ‘What is this place? I want to make a bold claim: We have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem.’
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Westcott House Cambridge @westcotthousecam.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
Looking forward to welcoming our returning/new ordinands & students, partners & families arriving this weekend in preparation for the new academic year. Can't wait to meet & fellowship with you all as we regather as a community with all the anticipation that this year will hold. Welcome to Westcott!
Alt text: view from the Old Court terrace at Westcott House of the front entrance, reception and bursary blocks which feature greenery/ivy climbing their walls, and with some potted plants and wooden benches placed on the paved courtyard.
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Westcott House Cambridge @westcotthousecam.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
3/3 A further Congregational Studies Symposium (online) is planned for 23-24 February 2028. If you would like to be kept up to date with details for this, please contact alan.kerry@regents.oc.ac.uk to be added to the mailing list.
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Westcott House Cambridge @westcotthousecam.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
2/3 This special edition consists of papers presented at the Congregational Studies Symposium 2025 which was jointly organised by Westcott House and the Centre for Baptist Studies at Regent’s Park College, Oxford.
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Westcott House Cambridge @westcotthousecam.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
1/3 Following on from a successful launch in July, the full contents of the special issue of Practical Theology, Vol 19 (2) on ‘Congregational Studies in the UK and USA (2005-2025)’ is now available to read online: buff.ly/uSTOkgS
Table of contents for the journal Practical, Vol 19 (2) listing papers presented at the Congregational Studies Symposium 2025 which was jointly organised by Westcott House and the Centre for Baptist Studies at Regent’s Park College, Oxford
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Westcott House Cambridge @westcotthousecam.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Starting soon, come join us for this short course introducing Christian Spirituality from East and West Traditions. Engage with themes such as desert spirituality, monasticism, activism & contemplation, mysticism, icons, sacramentality & more. See Eventbrite for full details: buff.ly/FqZV8GU
Close-up of hands holding a wooden rosary, promoting an online short course on Christian Spirituality from East and West traditions.
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Westcott House Cambridge @westcotthousecam.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
Could you be our new Finance Director? If you are considering the role, there’s still time to apply before the closing date on Wednesday. All the information to make an application can be found here: buff.ly/SdDgIAu
Job recruitment poster with a photo of a black sign with white text directing to the bursary and college offices surrounded by sunlit green leaves. Wording on poster: 'Could you be our next FD? There's still time to apply. Info in post or at www.westcott.cam.ac.uk/workwithus'
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Westcott House Cambridge @westcotthousecam.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
Discover more about the options for training, formation for ministry and independent study at Westcott House by registering for one of our 2026/27 Open Days or online Open Evenings. Scan the QR to book a place, or visit: www.westcott.cam.ac.uk/news/2026-27…
Poster promoting 2026/27 Open Days and Online Open Evenings which features a photo of the entrance to an accommodation block which is partially hidden by green lush trees and tall grasses in Old Court Garden. Text reads: ‘2026/27 Open Days & Online Open Evenings. Scan the QR code to register a place or visit www.westcott.cam.ac.uk for more information. 18 Nov 26, 06 Feb 27, 17 Feb 27, 17 Mar 27, 01 May 27 and 24 May 27’.
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Westcott House Cambridge @westcotthousecam.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
We're seeking a Finance Director to join our staff team. As a member of Senior Leadership, this is a dynamic role helping to lead the College in its strategic development & implementation, and in its delivery of exceptional theological education. Closing date 9 Sept 2026: ow.ly/KG8a50Zz3zz
Job recruitment poster featuring a view of the cloister at Westcott House. Text on poster: 'We're seeking a Finance Director to join our staff team. Interested? Details in post or at www.westcott.cam.ac.uk/workwithus'
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Westcott House Cambridge @westcotthousecam.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
Taught by a range of specialists within the Cambridge Theological Federation, this short course provides a fascinating overview of Christian Spirituality. It introduces its traditions, exploring themes such as desert spirituality, monasticism, icons, sacramentality & more. buff.ly/FqZV8GU
Close-up of hands holding a wooden rosary, promoting an online short course on Christian Spirituality from East and West traditions.
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Westcott House Cambridge @westcotthousecam.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
During the long summer break, and amidst the vibrant blooms and greenery of Old Court Garden, we find moments of stillness and peace 🌸🌿Wherever you are, may you find a moment of tranquillity today.
Close-up of delicate purple wisteria flowers hanging from a tree branch with a blurred view of Old Court garden and a bench in the background.Close up of pale pink hollyhock flowers with magenta centres in bloom in Old Court Garden. Close-up taken in Old Court Garden of a bright pink camellia flower with delicate petals and yellow stamens. Close-up of a purple artichoke thistle flower near the cloister in Old Court Garden.
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Westcott House Cambridge @westcotthousecam.bsky.social · 15/08/2026
Do you seek a rewarding work environment within a friendly, welcoming team? We're recruiting for a Finance Director to support the Principal, Vice Principal & Trustees in developing and implementing strategy, and to oversee all financial operations. More info: buff.ly/SdDgIAu
Job recruitment poster with a photo of one of our accommodation blocks, surrounded by the lush greenery and trees in Old Court Garden under a bright and partly clouded blue sky. Wording on poster: 'Want a rewarding work environment? We're looking to recruit a Finance Director. Information and full details in post  or at www.westcott.cam.ac.uk/workwithus'
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Westcott House Cambridge @westcotthousecam.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
Seeking a new challenge, or perhaps looking to deepen and expand your understanding of Christian Spirituality and Theology? Registrations for our 2026/27 online short course programme is open. Taught as part of our ARU MAs, discover more about the range of courses available: buff.ly/JOit8Xs
View through the main arched stone entrance to Old Court terrace with greenery at Westcott House, promoting 2026/27 Christian Spirituality and Theology short courses.
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Westcott House Cambridge @westcotthousecam.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
2/2 It was a joy for our Principal to reacquaint Kevin with the House, and Old Court Garden where a special memorial bench in honour of Bill sits near the Chapel. It was wonderful to have their company and to reflect on memories of Bill.
Kevin Donovan and family pictured beside the chapel bell with Revd Dr Helen Dawes, Principal of Westcott House.Kevin Donovan and family pictured in Old Court garden with the memorial bench placed in honour of his father, William 'Bill' Donovan.
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Westcott House Cambridge @westcotthousecam.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
1/2 While travelling in the UK earlier this summer, we were delighted to be visited by Kevin Donovan and his family. Kevin spent some of his formative years at Westcott when his father, William trained for ordination in 1968. Over the years, Bill became a loyal friend and supporter of our work.
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Westcott House Cambridge @westcotthousecam.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
Westcott House is seeking an experienced and capable Finance Director. This senior position is an exciting opportunity to make a difference and help us continue to deliver exceptional theological education for the Church. Closing deadline is 9 September 2026. Further details: buff.ly/SdDgIAu
Job recruitment poster with a photo of the bursary and tutorial offices at Westcott House overlooking Old Court Garden. Wording on poster: 'We're recruiting, more info in post or at www.westcott.cam.ac.uk/workwithus'
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Westcott House Cambridge @westcotthousecam.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
2/2 Today as the annual commemoration for this former Bishop of Durham, biblical scholar and theologian is observed in the CofE, we give our thanks for his vision and passion for clergy education which continues to guide us.
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Westcott House Cambridge @westcotthousecam.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
1/2 Delving into the college archives, we came across this photograph of our Founding President, Brooke Foss Westcott (pictured on the right) after whom our college is named.
Black and white framed photo of our Founding President, Brooke Foss Westcott sitting in a garden on a wooden bench in conversation with an unknown fellow member of clergy who is seated beside him.
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Westcott House Cambridge @westcotthousecam.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
2/2 Reflecting after the service, Bishop Alex said: ‘I am deeply grateful for all the gifts of my day of consecration, not least the support of so many people, including colleagues & friends from my time as a student at Westcott and my ongoing association with the House.’ Read more: buff.ly/tQqqw5C
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Westcott House Cambridge @westcotthousecam.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
1/2 Congratulations to our alumnus and trustee, the Rt Revd Dr Alex Hughes as he prepares to take up post as Bishop of Brixworth following his consecration by the Archbishop of Canterbury at Westminster Abbey on 16 July.
The new Bishop of Brixworth, the Rt Revd Dr Alex Hughes standing beside the Archbishop of Canterbury outside Westminster Abbey.Bishop Alex pictured after his consecration with fellow Westcott House trustee, the Rt Revd Dr Anderson Jeremiah, Bishop of Edmonton.
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Westcott House Cambridge @westcotthousecam.bsky.social · 18/07/2026
3/3 Morning and Evening Prayer were said together daily in Chapel, and there was even some social time to enjoy the glorious weather in Cambridge and catch some of the World Cup!
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Westcott House Cambridge @westcotthousecam.bsky.social · 18/07/2026
2/3 and plenty of reflection and discussion – including sessions spent with Dr Lucy Sixsmith, Junior Research Fellow at St John’s College, and Prof. Janet Martin Soskice and Dr Giles Waller, from the Faculty of Divinity, who shared their wisdom on writing as theological and academic practice.
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Westcott House Cambridge @westcotthousecam.bsky.social · 18/07/2026
1/3 Great to see some of our independent students and postgrad supervisors last week at our first ever Westcott Summer Writing Retreat. Offering space for intentional writing & to gather as a research community, there was time to try out different techniques to hone writing skills,
Small group of independent students and postgraduate supervisors from the Summer Writing Retreat, enjoying an ice cream with Dr Jenny Leith and Dr Karen O'Donnell in Cambridge City Centre. Dr Karen O'Donnell with an attendee at one of the writing sessions from the Summer Writing Retreat. Attendees at one of the writing sessions from the Summer Writing Retreat.Some of the Summer Writing Retreat attendees enjoying social time together in the Common Room at Westcott House.
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Westcott House Cambridge @westcotthousecam.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
2/2 Will is our first student to complete the ARU PhD pathway offered through Westcott House in partnership with Anglia Ruskin University and the Cambridge Theological Federation. More info about Will's thesis & research can be viewed here: buff.ly/CodezXp
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Westcott House Cambridge @westcotthousecam.bsky.social · 10/07/2026
1/2 We were absolutely delighted by the recent news that alumnus @revdwillrm.bsky.social passed his PhD Viva! Warmest congratulations Revd Dr Rose-Moore 😊
Revd Dr Will Rose-Moore at Westcott House after passing his PhD Viva, pictured holding a copy of his thesis and standing beside one of his PhD Supervisors, Dr Karen O’Donnell.
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Westcott House Cambridge @westcotthousecam.bsky.social · 03/07/2026
2/2 on handling neurodivergence in Higher Education. Our Principal, Revd Dr Helen Dawes then shared her recent paper on the issue of trust. Finishing the day with lunch, it was good to have some time together for continued growth, collaboration and professional development.
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Westcott House Cambridge @westcotthousecam.bsky.social · 03/07/2026
1/2 The House was delighted to host the CTF's Staff Development Day earlier this week. Welcoming colleagues from across Federation Houses, the day began with a bible study from Revd Graham Stevenson, Chaplain at Ridley Hall, before our Tutor for Learning Support, Revd Dr Naomi Wormell, led a session
Revd Dr Naomi Wormell, Tutor for Learning Support, leading a session on neurodivergence at the Cambridge Theological Federation's Staff Development Day.
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Westcott House Cambridge @westcotthousecam.bsky.social · 30/06/2026
It was good to see the College represented at the National Pilgrimage to the Shrine of our Lady of Walsingham last month - ordinands from across the country were invited to serve and help out as volunteers on the day and enjoy fellowship together. 📸 Walsingham Shrine
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Westcott House Cambridge @westcotthousecam.bsky.social · 27/06/2026
As we approach Petertide, we hold all those being ordained as deacons and priests in our prayers, particularly our alumni and their families and training incumbents. May they be richly blessed as their grow in their ministries and in the knowledge of God’s love.
Three Westcott alumni with their stoles draped over their left arms, pictured at a previous Leavers’ service.
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Westcott House Cambridge @westcotthousecam.bsky.social · 25/06/2026
Seeking a rewarding work environment within a welcoming community? Westcott House is currently advertising for a Chef de Partie to join their friendly catering team. Full details and job description can be found on our website: www.westcott.cam.ac.uk/about-us/wor…
View from the terrace in Old Court Garden of the dining hall, lecture room and accommodation blocks at Westcott House.
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Westcott House Cambridge @westcotthousecam.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
2/2 Sometimes it is much more complex, the pieces need sorting, we have to take time, leave it and come back to it, and gradually the picture emerges and we see how everything fits together.
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Westcott House Cambridge @westcotthousecam.bsky.social · 19/06/2026
1/2 Yesterday as we gathered for our last community worship of the academic year, our VP Revd Rachel Rosborough encouraged us to approach scripture like we do a jigsaw puzzle. Sometimes pieces come together easily & give us a clear picture of God & our faith like the simple puzzle a child would do.
Revd Rachel Rosborough, Vice Principal, Westcott House. Quote: “St Jerome apparently said: ‘The Scriptures are shallow enough for a babe to come and drink without fear of drowning, and deep enough for theologians to swim in without ever touching the bottom.’”
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Westcott House Cambridge @westcotthousecam.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
3/3 May God bless and guide them in their ministries, remembering that ‘the one who calls you is faithful.
2026 Leavers pictured with the altar party, the Principal, Revd Dr Helen Dawes and Vice Principal, Revd Rachel Rosborough on the terrace steps at the main entrance of Westcott House. 2026 Leavers with Vice Principal, Revd Rachel Rosborough in Old Court Garden. 2026 Leavers pictured in Old Court Garden with the Chaplain and members of the tutorial team.Community and 2026 Leavers at the BBQ in Old Court Garden.
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Westcott House Cambridge @westcotthousecam.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
2/3 Our prayers and the love of the entire community go with them as they go out to serve God in the different places where they have been called.
2026 Leavers being prayed for and blessed at the Leavers' Eucharist.2026 Leavers and altar party processing from the Chapel at the end of the Leavers' service.2026 Leavers processing with the community thorough Old Court Garden after the end of the Leavers' service. 2026 Leavers processing with the community thorough Old Court Garden after the end of the Leavers' service.
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Westcott House Cambridge @westcotthousecam.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
1/3 A few photos from our Leavers’ Eucharist and BBQ where we said farewell to our 2026 leaving ordinands.
Westcott House community waiting to process with our 2026 leaving ordinands from New Court Garden into the Chapel.Our 2026 Leavers processing with the altar party thorough Old Court Garden on the way to the Chapel. 2026 Leavers processing into the Chapel for the Leavers' Eucharist. Revd Rachel Rosborough presiding at the 2026 Leavers’ service. Pictured at the altar with the first year ordinands, and the Senior and Deputy Students who made up the altar party.
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Westcott House Cambridge @westcotthousecam.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
2/2 “The task God sets before us is not to meet all the needs of a broken world – none of us can possibly do that. What God calls us to do is to make a home, put down roots, and seek the welfare of the city where he has sent us.”
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Westcott House Cambridge @westcotthousecam.bsky.social · 17/06/2026
1/2 At our Leavers’ Eucharist on Friday, as we blessed our leaving ordinands’ stoles and sent them out to prepare to be ordained deacon, our Principal, Revd Dr Helen Dawes, reflected on God’s words through the prophet Jeremiah to the exiles in Babylon.
Revd Dr Helen Dawes, Principal, Westcott House. Quote: 'Will I be enough?'
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Westcott House Cambridge @westcotthousecam.bsky.social · 12/06/2026
The House dressed and looking lovely as we made preparations earlier for tonight’s Leavers Service & BBQ to say goodbye to our 2026 Leavers!
View of Westcott House from Old Court Garden with bunting, wooden benches and picnic tables set up on the lawn ready for the Leavers’ 2026 BBQ. Close up of colourful bunting and long wooden tables set up on Old Court Garden lawn with outside view of the library and chapel at Westcott House in the background.
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Westcott House Cambridge @westcotthousecam.bsky.social · 12/06/2026
3/3 Through his words, and in our worship together, Ben drew us into contemplation of “the self-disclosure of God, who chooses to be wrapped up in our reality so that we may be wrapped up in turn in the divine life”.
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Westcott House Cambridge @westcotthousecam.bsky.social · 12/06/2026
2/3 In a series of talks titled ‘The Fabric of Epiphany’, Ben gave us insights into how physical fabrics may be eloquent in the plan of God, and how cloths & clothing are vibrant in the great world of signs whose author is God.
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Westcott House Cambridge @westcotthousecam.bsky.social · 12/06/2026
1/3 It was wonderful to have the company of Westcott alumnus, the Revd Canon Professor Ben Quash, for this term’s Quiet Day on Wednesday. Ben is Professor of Christianity and the Arts, King's College, London and incoming Regius Professor of Divinity, Cambridge.
The Revd Canon Professor Ben Quash, Professor of Christianity and the Arts, King's College, London and incoming Regius Professor of Divinity, Cambridge

Quote: "The art historian Paul Hills, in a wonderful book called Veiled Presence, says that artists ‘think with cloth’. And so can we. If you know how to think with fabric (of various kinds), immense worlds of meaning can open up. It’s a sort of associational way of thinking that defines the Bible and both Christian and Jewish traditions of biblical interpretation; a thought-world that works with metaphors, allusions, and analogies, not just at the level of word-play, but in the belief that physical objects are eloquently interconnected in the plan of God."
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Westcott House Cambridge @westcotthousecam.bsky.social · 11/06/2026
At tonight’s Community Eucharist, it was good to hear from our Lecturer in Old Testament, Revd Dr Naomi Wormell. As we anticipated the 2nd Sunday after Trinity, Naomi reminded us how much we are in each other’s story – here and in the places God sends us, to proclaim and share in God’s good news.
Revd Dr Naomi Wormell, Lecturer in Old Testament, Westcott House.
Quote: 'We are in Abraham’s story and he is in ours. We are in Jesus’ story and he is in ours. We are in Sarah’s story and she is in ours. We are in each other’s story here and in the places God sends us, to proclaim the good news of the blessing that is poured out on everyone, so that everyone can come so close to God and God can come so close to them.'
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Westcott House Cambridge @westcotthousecam.bsky.social · 11/06/2026
2/2 The service was led by Dr Anna Abram, Principal of MBIT. After readings from Ecclesiastes 3, Psalm 46 & Acts 1, Revd Dr Andrew Todd, Director of the DProf in Practical Theology for the CTF, preached the sermon before our VP, Revd Rachel Rosborough offered a closing prayer & gave God's blessing.
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Westcott House Cambridge @westcotthousecam.bsky.social · 11/06/2026
1/2 Students and staff from across the Cambridge Theological Federation gathered at St Mary’s Church earlier this week for the annual Commendation service and last Federation worship of term, to say farewell to those who have left over the past year, or who will be moving on this summer.
Revd Dr Andrew Todd, Senior Lecturer and Director of the Professional Doctorate in Practical Theology for the CTF, preaching at the CTF Commendation Service at Great St Mary's Church.
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Westcott House Cambridge @westcotthousecam.bsky.social · 04/06/2026
We were delighted to be joined at tonight’s Sung Eucharist by alumnus & guest preacher, the Ven. James Ridge. As we celebrated the Feast of Corpus Christi, James’ sermon encouraged us to reflect on encountering Christ in the Eucharist: God made tangible, feeding, forming and sending us.
The Venerable James Ridge, Chaplain General (Head of Faith Services), HM Prisons & Probation Service.
Quote: ‘The incarnation is not a passing phase in the life of God; it is the way God has chosen to be with us. And in the Eucharist, that incarnate presence is made available to us in the simplest and most ordinary of elements.’
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Westcott House Cambridge @westcotthousecam.bsky.social · 02/06/2026
A huge thank you to the CAWK and 5folds ministry teams for their generosity, time and support in enabling these placements for our students.
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Westcott House Cambridge @westcotthousecam.bsky.social · 02/06/2026
3/3 Our second Mission group spent the week with Revds. Stephen Dove and Ed Green in the 5folds Benefice, West Cambridge. First-year ordinands, Daniel, George, Nathan & Rowan, reflect on their experience as they engaged with rural ministry and their communities: buff.ly/iMPy5kt
Westcott House ordinands pictured inside All Saints Church, Longstanton whilst on placement with the 5folds Ministry Team. St Mary’s Church at Over, Cambridgeshire. Designing Easter biscuits in the church hall at Over.Westcott House ordinand pictured at All Saints, Longstanton at one of the Holy week services.
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