On the 2nd March 2020, I went to a hospital appointment. Since that time, almost four months ago, I’ve left the house just twice – briefly, outside and very distanced from others – because I’m shielding from Covid-19. My expertise in being housebound and scratching out church community online is suddenly much in demand, so my life has become paradoxically very much busier over the past three months even as it is emptier. As the world has discovered Zoom, I’ve been included in many things I woudn’t have been otherwise, so I’m very thankful.
I’m doing a series of blog posts to catch you up on my recent
- Broadcasting and speaking
- TV
- Newspaper and magazine articles
- Announcements.
This one is broadcasting and speaking (including some upcoming dates).
BBC Radio Wales approached me for their award-winning programme, All Things Considered, to speak about online church in the light of the Covid-19 crisis and why I thought it was good news. It was a stimulating discussion with three lovely Welsh ministers, and you can listen to it for the next thirteen days before it’s taken off the air.
Listen to Online Church with Jonathan Thomas (7 June 2020) – available for 13 days.
- On Sunday 10th May I spoke briefly to BBC Radio 5 Live about Boris Johnson’s changed measures for lockdown affecting disabled people, which wasn’t recorded.
- If you’re struggling with lockdown, listen to this. My interview with Maria Rodrigues for Woman to Woman on Premier Christian Radio. Listen to What can we do about difficult emotions during lockdown? (10 Minutes), 24 March 2020.
- My interview for United Christian Broadcasters (UCB 1 with Paul Hammond, 31 March 2020) was not recorded, but you can read the transcript here on therapeutic lament and the ten stages of lockdown here.
Upcoming Speaking – book online
I recently gave a seminar for theological college Ripon College, Cuddesdon, on How to Offer Pastoral Care Online. It’s a much-neglected aspect of online church, so I am glad that they picked up on this.
I’m giving a similar seminar for the Diocese of Exeter, too: Scattered Sheep: Offering Pastoral Care Online (10 July).
Premier Digital:
The day before, on Thursday 9th July, I will be speaking for Premier Christianity’s 8th Digital Church Webinar on the topic of Digital Inclusivity. They have several symposia throughout the summer – two hours each at 3:30pm with a variety of expert speakers. You can pay £19.50 for one webinar or £29.50 per month and go to as many as you want. See more details and book here.
Association of Christian Writers:
Based in the UK, this association offers resources, a magazine and retreat days to support Christian writers, both experienced and new. I’m delivering an online morning retreat for writers exploring how our creative process mirrors God’s creative process and how to use our chaotic thoughts to make art: How Do We Create in Times of Chaos?
There are four other mornings available (Saturdays, in July) with different speakers and topics, which you can check out here. You need to be a member of the ACW to attend them, but it’s only £26 or £29 for an annual membership and then you can attend all four, in addition to the other benefits. Click here to sign up for ACW membership and click here to book the writer workshops
Do also check out my TV interview with Patrick Regan for TBN.
Tanya, I wouldf like to thank you so much for this. I was disabled with polio at the age of 4 and am now use a walking frame in the house and wheelchair outside. I do not have ME/CFS but probably have post-polio syndrome which I believe is related and am also a born-again Christian and attend a Baptist Church where I am glad to say I have been very well supported especially since my husband died last October. I am on the pastoral team even though I cannot do home visiting – I do all my supporting over the phone and also one of the prime movers in our weekly prayer meetings which we conduct via zoom.
All your blogs and posts are so encouraging and helpful. I am so looking forward to your PhD. I did an MA in Disability Studies at Leeds University and taught Disability Studies with the Open University so it is an area I am very interested in.
Thank you so much
Gill Thompson