St Augustine’s College of Theology’s Christmas Newsletter 2025

In this edition, why not catch up with our Advent Podcast – have you tuned in yet? The final episode is out on Sunday 21st December. You can also explore our latest blogs and enjoy Thomas Sharp’s book reviews of his favourite reads.

Looking ahead to 2026, we have some exciting workshops planned. And for now, our tutors are taking a well-earned Christmas break – we had a record-breaking intake of new ordination students in 2025! From all of us at St Augustine’s College of Theology, we wish you a peaceful and joyful Christmas.

Did you know we have around 200 videos on our YouTube channel? Take a look, and you’ll hear from current and former students, meet our tutors, and find out about our modules, taster terms and full courses.

Our videos give you a real flavour of the ethos of St Augustine’s, how studying works for different people, and in some cases – how theology study changes lives.

If you’re thinking about studying with us, or just curious to learn more about the College, it’s a fantastic resource to browse.

And we’ve got so many exciting video plans for 2026, so keep an eye out!

Book reviews: looking for some last-minute Christmas gifts?

Tutor Thomas Sharp shares some of his recent favourites.

Elements of Christian Thought: A Basic Course in Christianese, Eugene F. Rogers Jr.

Compiled after the author was asked to give an introductory course for undergraduates in systematic theology, this short volume of brief, easily digestible chapters is perfect for anyone new to the study of doctrine or to anyone who feels the need to be inspired again.

Rogers carefully selected primary sources from a diverse range of ancient and modern theologians to illustrate key ideas in the Christian faith. In his light and joyful commentary, his love of the study of systematic theology radiates from the page.

He leads the reader through complex ideas as if they were straightforward, finding new ways to bring the heart of Christian theology to life.

Subtitled ‘A Basic Course in Christianese’, Rogers presents theology as a language, and this book is a delightful primer in that language. But more than that, Rogers leads the reader to know God more dearly and to delight in who God is and what God does. The language of Christianese in which he primes us is a language of love and joy. This is theology at its most life-giving and most accessible, and I heartily recommend it.

Safeguarding the Stranger: An Abrahamic Theology and Ethic of Protective Hospitality, Jayme R. Reaves

What does it mean to take in and protect another, especially when doing so puts oneself at risk?

This is a question which the author answers eloquently, drawing on Islamic and Jewish theologies of hospitality to deepen and challenge her own Christian understanding of hospitality.

This is not primarily a work of interfaith dialogue. Instead, Reaves approaches her task with humility and presents theologies which may be alien to Christian readers, whilst drawing out deeper meanings within Christian theology which might be familiar to us.

In an age when questions about Christian resistance to evil, cruelty, and violence are once again much more of a conscious reality for many of us in Europe, Reaves opens up understanding in generous and life-giving ways. 

The theology she poses does not only apply to granting protective asylum. The theology in this volume profoundly challenges us to examine the vocation to hospitality and how it is lived out in our personal, societal and ecclesial lives. At Christmas, it challenges us to hold the stable door open, and to prepare ourselves to receive Christ under the form of our neighbour into our midst afresh.

This Christmas, we’d be so grateful if you could gift us a Google review!

Whether you’re a student, former student, or friend of the college, your review helps others find us, study with us and join our wonderful community.

Of course, this is completely voluntary. Your prayers and friendship are the greatest gifts of all. Thank you for your support.

How can the Church’s witness concerning creation draw people into Christian faith? How might mission and environmental care strengthen one another in your local context?

Join us for this practical and inspiring workshop led by Revd Dr Cate Williams, an expert in mission and the environment. You’ll explore how to integrate creation care into your church’s life and outreach, developing ideas that connect faith, community, and the planet we share.

When: Tuesday 3 February 2026, 12 noon – 4 pm

Where: St Andrew’s Church, 15 Short Street, London, SE1 8LJ

Cost: £30 for current and former students, £40 for non-students (includes a simple vegetarian lunch). Free places available if cost is a barrier.

Would you like to weave creation perspectives into worship all year, not just at harvest time?

This creative and theological workshop invites you to explore how liturgy and worship can reflect God’s love for creation.

Learn about the new Feast of God the Creator, launching in September 2026, and develop practical ways to celebrate creation in your own church setting. Led by Revd Dr Christopher Irvine, expert in liturgy, with Revd Dr Sharon Moughtin, vicar of St Mary’s Eco Church, this event aims to inspire, encourage discussion, and offer ideas for worship leaders, clergy, and lay ministers.

When: Tuesday 28 April 2026, 12 noon – 4 pm

Where: St Andrew’s Church, 15 Short Street, London, SE1 8LJ

Cost: £30 for current and former students, £40 for non-students (includes a simple vegetarian lunch). Free places available if cost is a barrier.

For questions about the workshops, please contact Charlotte Sleigh at c.sleigh@staugustinescollege.ac.uk

Feel free to invite others who might be interested; we’d love to welcome them!

Always wanted to study theology?

Our open-day-style taster events held monthly at our central London and West Malling campuses are the perfect way to experience what theology study is all about.

Meet our lecturers, chat with current students, explore our wonderful facilities, and learn why St Augustine’s is such a special place to study. Click below to reserve your spot – we can’t wait to welcome you in 2026.

Please join us in praying for the life of the College and its community.  We are deeply grateful to be part of a connected and prayerful community as members of St Augustine’s College of Theology.

As you pray during this season, we offer the following suggestions and areas you may like to include:

• Continued generosity towards the Tattersall Bursary Fund so that we can support people who might otherwise not be able to study.
• The parishes and clergy who provide supportive contexts for students to integrate their learning and practice.
• Those visiting the college community for Taster Days and Taster modules.
• The amazing associate tutors who share their passion, enthusiasm and expertise with students.
• All those organising and attending the two ‘Planet in Crisis’ workshops in the spring.
• Prayers and blessings for a peaceful Advent and joyful Christmas!

We hope you’ve enjoyed reading our newsletter. Look out for the next one in Spring 2026!