Current & Upcoming Courses
SEPTEMBER
Continuing Greek
Location: Online
A new series of 10 sessions, alternating grammar and translation – beginning Tues 9th Sept, weekly for one hour (7.30-8.30pm) by zoom.
Facilitator: Rosie Button
Hebrew Reading Group
Location: Online
The two Hebrew groups will re-start in September, more information to follow.
Facilitator: Phil King
Creation, Climate & Christianity
Gateway Forum
Date & Time: Friday 26th Sept from 7-9pm.
Location: St Andrew’s Church, Churchdown,
The forum will provide an opportunity to come together every 2-3 months for a fascinating talk on a contemporary theological issue delivered by an expert in the field. There will be Q&A time to follow, and all with refreshments and a bit of socialising. What could be better?
The forum is still in the planning stages, but to kick things off, Dr Daniel Button will deliver the first topic on ‘The Nicene Creed at 1700’
Is this really a contemporary topic, you may wonder? An anniversary like this only comes around every hundred years – and the creed has become as controversial today as it was in AD 325!
OCTOBER
Oxford Walking Tour
Date & Time: 10-1 Oct 11. Cost: £10
We are once again partnering with Zenas Heritage Tours to provide a special ‘day out’ and walking tour.
The Oxford Christian Heritage walk, is a guided tour around Oxford’s incredible Christian history, Medieval, Reformation, and modern. You’ll see the places associated with John Wycliffe, William Tyndale, the Oxford martyrs, Wesley, C.S. Lewis, Tolkien, and others who all lived or spent time in Oxford, learning about each as we go along.
In addition, GTS will provide a special taught session on ‘the English Reformation in Oxford’, giving further insights into the historical background of the people and events of that tumultuous time in our history. This is currently scheduled for Thursday, 9th Oct, 7pm. You can join either or both.
NOVEMBER
Matthew's Gospel – preaching through the lectionary
Ageing Gracefully
Time & Date: 6 sessions, Wednesday 2-4pm, Starting 5th March.
Venue: St George’s, Cam
Facilitator: Dr Ian Donald
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.
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.
Zenas Heritage Tours
A lawyer’s guide to Oxford’s Christian Heritage, the Bible and Archaeology
‘The Bible in the Ashmolean’ (Nov 8th 10-1pm),
‘The Bible in the British Museum’ (Nov 22nd 11-3pm)
‘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