Betty Creamer
In her retirement, The Revd Dr Betty Creamer has continued to pursue her passion for learning through ongoing academic research and participation in the Theology Summer School. Alongside her scholarly interests, she remains actively engaged in ministry, serving faithfully as a priest.
'For the first decade of my retirement, I lived in Southern California and participated in seminary classes at the Episcopal Theological School of Los Angeles and in Oxford’s Theology Summer School while serving as volunteer chaplain in the senior (age 55 and “better”) resort where I lived and worked part time as a Hospice Chaplain. In those years, I used my studies and experiences to write a book, Life’s Compline: A Journey Just Begun, which explores ways to enable people in their senior years to continue to live out their Baptismal promises for all their lives.
'A year ago, I relocated to the Lake Chapala area of Mexico, home to around 30,000 mostly retired expats where I serve as Associate Rector at St Andrew’s Anglican Church, an English language congregation in the Anglican Diocese of Western Mexico. At the request of the diocesan bishop, I designed and now direct the diocesan training and formation studies for English language people seeking ordination as vocational deacons.
'Having first experienced Oxford University at Queen’s College more than 40 years ago, I began participating in the Oxford Theology Summer School before the COVID lock down and continue to participatipate each year since. I always find the summer school’s theme timely and intriguing; and the tutors and participants provide an amazing range of experience and knowledge. My ministry always benefits from my Oxford experiences, and I look forward to those weeks each year.
'The participants include younger students who may be engaged in theological studies or considering further study in theology; others who are in mid-career; and a few, like me, who are retired or nearing retirement. Over the years, the groups have included clergy, physicians, artists, businesspeople, and attorneys; Christians and people from other faith traditions; and residents from six continents. The daily seminars, led by impressively qualified tutors, provide time for discussion and for getting to know others in a small-group format. Many meaningful and lasting friendships are formed over shared meals and during the evening, pre-dinner Theology on Tap informal discussions in the Buttery (the Christ Church College bar).
'I encourage anyone who seeks an engaging, academically intense, rewarding theology experience in an inspiring setting to consider the Theology Summer School at Oxford Lifelong Learning.'