The Mission Area Support Team (MAST) is thrilled to announce its upcoming conference at Wheatley Hills St Aidan on 24 June 2025. This event promises a day filled with enlightening discussions, covering topics such as community audit and its importance to grant opportunities with Lucy Smith, the disability grant from National Church with Helen James and a talk from guest speaker, Professor Krzysztof. During his talk, Professor Krzysztof will be discussing his research into sacred spaces and social innovations, along with insights into the joint PhD partnership project (a White Rose College of the Arts & Humanities-funded Collaborative Doctoral Award between the School of Architecture and Landscape, University of Sheffield and Diocese of Sheffield).
There will be a delicious lunch for attendees, and the opportunity to speak to members of the MAST team about projects and concerns. To secure your spot and lunch, please complete the registration form by 18 June and stay tuned for further updates.
Agenda
Arrive at 10am to start at 10.15
10.15-10.30 Open and safety announcements with Libby Culmer
10.30-11.30 Prof. Krzysztof Nawratek will talk about his research into sacred spaces and how they can inspire social innovation. He’ll also share insights into a joint PhD partnership project between the University of Sheffield’s School of Architecture and Landscape and the Diocese of Sheffield, Church of England.
11.30-11.45 Break
11.45-12.15 Lucy Smith will talk about community audits—what they are, why they matter, and how they can help your church or group access grant funding.
12.15-12.45 Lunch
12.45-1.15 Helen James will give an overview of the disability grant available to dioceses in the North of England. There will be a short Q&A session afterwards. (tbc).
1.15-1.45 Sarah Crossland talks about the new Discover Churches toolkit (tbc).
1.45-2.00 Break
2.00-2.30 Chris Ellis will share the key moments from Church Explorers Week 2025 and explain how people can take part in next year’s event. After that, Graham Sandersfield will talk about how to create a virtual tour of your church, which is useful for anyone who can’t visit certain areas like the bell tower or crypt. He’ll also show how this virtual tour can be used to take part in Church Explorers Week 2026.
2.30-3.00 Questions & Close
