Conversations that Matter 2010/11
Are you a new (or not-so-new) graduate student with questions about how to make the most of your Oxford University experience?
If the answer is 'yes', then Conversations that Matter might be for you.
The Conversations that Matter initiative will put you in contact with a current or past graduate student, a Pastorate Chaplain, or a faculty member (example bios can be seen below) who would be delighted to meet with you informally to chat about graduate life in Oxford.
We have a particular interest in how students can develop in Christian faith over their time in Oxford. But whatever your beliefs and whatever your question - practical (e.g. where can I buy my favourite cereal?); Oxford-specific (e.g. what is sub-fusc anyway?); or existential (e.g. how can I connect my intellectual-life and my spiritual-life?) - we'd love to help. Clearly, we don't have all the answers but we can probably put you in touch with someone who does.
If you'd like to take part in a Conversation that Matters then please take a moment to fill in this form. Once we've received your details, one of the team will contact you by email to arrange to meet and talk over a hot drink (which we'll buy!) in one of Oxford's many pleasant coffee shops.
The Conversations that Matter Team:
Dr Jonathan Brant is the Oxford Pastorate Chaplain. He wrote a DPhil in Theology at Trinity College, Oxford which drew upon systematic theology, film theory and qualitative research in considering the potential religious impact of contemporary Latin American cinema. Prior to coming to Oxford, Jonathan worked for Anglican churches in London and South America. Jonathan is the award-winning author of fiction and non-fiction books which introduce young people to the joys and the mysteries of the Christian faith. He is married to Tricia and has a nine year-old son, Isaac.
Emilie Noteboom is pursuing a DPhil degree in Christian Ethics and combines her research with service to the Oxford graduate community as an Associate Chaplain with the Oxford Pastorate. Emilie’s background is in law and she has practised law at the bar in Amsterdam for several years. Emilie has also served in missions in places as diverse as Africa, India and South East Asia and she loves meeting new people and learning about cultures. Emilie is originally from the Netherlands but has lived most of her life abroad and feels at home where her friends are. Emilie enjoys all things out-doors, especially rowing, downhill skiing and swimming. Her favourite activity is laughing so hard that it feels like she’s having a work-out. Contact Emilie
The Revd Christian Hofreiter combines his role as Oxford Pastorate Associate Chaplain with research toward a DPhil in biblical interpretation. Before coming to Oxford, he worked as a university lecturer in his native Innsbruck, Austria, and as an international government relations associate in Washington, DC. Through many ups and downs, he has forged a deep conviction that nothing can separate us from the love of God, that “all things work together for the good of those who love him.” The thrill of seeing others taste the goodness of God has been the most rewarding aspect of his ministry in Austria, the US and now the UK. To relax, Christian loves to ski, hike and swim in lakes – and to hang out with his wife Helen, who works in micro-finance.