Evergreen

Lecturer in Ministry with Seniors at Mary Andrews College, Sydney, and author of Coming to Christ in Dementia. Mark will give our keynote address focusing on the theology behind his book, exploring faith and dementia and drawing on deep pastoral and practical experience with examples and stories.

As part of the day, Mark will also give a seminar on Christian care for people living with dementia covering: visiting people living with dementia; running church/chapel services for people with dementia; the role of music in dementia care.

Pippa brings vast experience through her work with Connections, one of the largest church-based groups for seniors in the UK. During the pandemic, she was involved in setting up the Daily Hope free phone line which reached hundreds of thousands of older people. Most recently, Pippa has launched The Silver Hope Trust, which seeks to inspire and equip Christians and churches to love, care, serve and support older people.

At Evergreen, Pippa will be on our panel answering questions on church ministry as well as co-leading a seminar on church-based ministry and evangelism with older people.

CEO of Faith in Later Life, Alex is hugely experienced in equipping Christians and church groups for the opportunities and challenges that later life brings. As a charity, Faith in Later life is dedicated to inspiring Christians to reach, serve and empower older individuals, and Alex emphasises the importance of fostering lifelong discipleship and creating spaces for older people to connect and grow in their faith.

On the day, Alex will be on our panel answering questions about evangelism and sharing the gospel with older people. She will also be co-leading a seminar on church-based ministry and evangelism.

Pam Rhodes is well known to many as the long-standing presenter of the BBC’s Songs of Praise, a role she has held since 1987. Over decades in broadcasting, she has helped bring the life of the church into people’s homes with warmth and attentiveness. Alongside this, she presents Hearts and Hymns on Premier Christian Radio.

At Evergreen, Pam will explore the stories and theology behind some of our most familiar hymns, helping us to hear them afresh and consider the faith they express.

Timothy Agbenike’s journey into the care sector began with a clear sense of calling. After qualifying as an accountant and working in banking, he chose to move into care, where he has since built a wealth of experience as both a practitioner and leader. Having managed Luff House in Walton-on-the-Naze, he now serves as an Operations Manager within Pilgrims’ Friend Society, overseeing and supporting managers in their homes and housing.

Timothy brings a thoughtful, grounded perspective shaped by years of hands-on work. He will contribute to the panel discussion, offering insight into both the challenges and the quiet rewards of caring for older people.

Lucy Honeysett’s vocation was shaped early. As a teenager working in a Pilgrims’ Friend Society care home, she encountered Christians who cared with such compassion and dignity that it left a lasting impression and played a crucial part in affirming her desire to be a nurse and care for people in need. Lucy went on to spend many years in nursing, particularly in end-of-life care, where she has walked closely with patients and families in deeply significant moments. Alongside hospice nursing, Lucy leads Christians in Care, a part of Pilgrims’ Friend Society and a network that connects and encourages believers working across the care sector.

At Evergreen, she will lead a seminar on end-of-life care, bringing both professional expertise and personal conviction.

Led by Anais and Khaim Spencer