“I was expecting to have my head filled… but we had our hearts filled as well.”

Wycliffe Hall welcomed 33 guests to its inaugural Residential Study Week in June, 29 of whom travelled internationally to attend.

This new event was designed for people wanting to engage with the Wycliffe community and our world-class teaching staff on a topic central to the challenges of today's society.

Over 6 days, participants were immersed in seminars, discussion and prayer on the theme of 'Thinking about Creation'. 

At a time when secular perspectives on ‘nature’ and the impact of humanity on the earth are pressing concerns, this theme is profoundly relevant to the Church’s engagement in wider culture.

Guided by Wycliffe teaching staff speaking from their own areas of expertise, participants explored Creation from different perspectives - from Bible texts in Genesis, Isaiah, Romans and Ephesians, to the work of J.C. Ryle, philosophical perspectives and Creation in the prayers of varying cultural contexts - to build a rounded view.

Morning worship in Chapel included sermons illuminating the week’s theme, while Fellowship groups, led by our tutors and chaplains, provided reflective and open spaces to develop discussion and follow through together in prayer.

Communal mealtimes facilitated the type of rich conversations that take place at Wycliffe on a daily basis, and punting, croquet and walking tours of the historic city provided a taste of Oxford.

Delegates said:

• "I was expecting to come and have my head filled, but with all the social activities, especially with this group, we had our hearts filled as well."
• "It was great to dive deeply into the foundational part of the Bible from so many angles."
• "I felt the week was a ‘sharpening’."

• "We had exposure to every part of the faculty, but I really enjoyed and valued the sessions I wouldn’t have chosen on my own."

Justyn Terry, Vice-Principal, said:

"It was a great joy to see so many people from all around the world gather for our first Residential Study Week. It was fun to see visitors getting to know our staff and each other, and getting a taste of student life in Oxford. ‘Thinking about Creation’ gave everyone lots of food for thought, and led to great mealtime conversations. I am already looking forward to next year’s Study Week, when we will be ‘Thinking about Freedom.’ "

Rowan Azevedo-Greenwood, Conference and Events Manager, said:

"Wycliffe is a truly special place that is best experienced first hand. It was great to see the week’s students throw themselves into everything the Hall and the city has to offer."

Wycliffe Hall is grateful to all the participants for their interest, engagement and contribution to the community dynamic. Building on feedback from this first running of the event, we look forward to repeating the format in 2026.