Current & Upcoming Courses
Who Cares?
Time & Date: 6 sessions, Fridays 1.30 – 3.30pm, Sep 27, Oct 4, 11, (not on 18th), 25, Nov 1, 8.
Venue: St Andrew’s Church (lounge), Churchdown
From an early age we realise that other people have expectations of us: we need to become civilised, conform to rules, work hard, pass exams and achieve in life. Sometimes the favoured goals seem unattainable. We can’t manage on our own. We feel inadequate. Where can we turn for trustworthy support?Where do we find a reliable friend on whom we can depend?
We will reflect on the bewilderment of modern life, the temptations to be always part of the ‘in crowd’ and turn to the story of God’s People for guidance.
JANUARY 2025
Psalms - Make a Joyful Noise
Venue: On-site at St Andrew’s Church
Time & Date: 6 sessions, Tuesdays 7-9, starting Jan 14th
Facilitator: Marily Baldwin
Aim: To explore the book of Psalms and its effect on modern worship
This course begins with a look at the origin and types of psalms in the Bible and progresses to their heritage in worship today.
Key verse: Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the earth; make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise. Psalm 98:4
Ageing Gracefully
Time & Date: 6 sessions, 10am – 12, Starting 23rd January 2025.
Venue: St James Church, Bream
A six week course for Christians who wish to explore some of the theological issues raised by an ageing society. Together we will explore how Christians might respond to the challenges we often face towards the end of our earthly life and what might it mean to remain fresh and green still bearing fruit into old age.
CURRENTLY RUNNING
Israel – Palestine: Past and Present
Dates: Starting Thursday September 26th 7-9pm, 4 Sessions
Location: Christchurch, Abbeydale
The horrific Middle-East conflict between Israel and Hamas continues with no end in sight. It seems almost impossible to understand what it’s all about. Why is the world so up in arms over a tiny strip of land?
What has caused such fierce animosity between peoples, regions, & nations? God loves the Palestinians and the Israelis, and with that premise, this course traces the history of both peoples, exploring the deeply complex background of the conflict in 3 sections: Ancient history; from Rome to British Palestine; and Modern history.
Good Call
Location: Via Zoom online
5+ sessions, Thursdays from 2nd May 7-9pm
We make decisions all the time – often under pressure because of time constraints, or the expectations of people around us. How can we be sure that the decisions that matter are good decisions? How can we be sure that these decisions are made well, that good outcomes are sought, and that the decision-making process honours God and respects those around us?
This course explores ethics for the local church and aims to equip individuals and churches to make good choices. It outlines some of the key ethical principles relating to making moral (good/bad) choices, and the riches that the Christian church brings to the task of doing ethics.
PARTNERSHIP COURSES
The Difference Course
Every Wednesday until 7 February 2024,
1:30 pm to 3:30 pm
Navigating a divided and complex world can be hard. This course is about equipping us to cross divides, navigate disagreement and pursue a just and flourishing world. Over five sessions we will listen to stories of people facing conflict, consider the way that Jesus engaged with difference and division in the context of prayerful discussion.
‘After being challenged to grow in my own understanding of the Bible I recently completed the GTS course, ‘Unlocking the Bible.’ It was so accessible, well-paced, and fitted in well with an already busy schedule. What an amazing resource, right on our doorstep!’
Ollie Bennett, Pastor, Kingfisher Church Tredworth