Current & Upcoming Courses

MARCH

The Passion Week of Jesus

Option 1

Time & Date: 6 sessions, Tuesdays 7-9pm, starting March 11th

Venue: St Andrew’s Church, Churchdown

Facilitator: Dr Daniel Button

Option 2

Online Zoom option: If you can’t come in person, we are offering a Zoom option, if there is sufficient interest.

Time & Date: 6 sessions, Fridays, 7-8.45pm, from March 14^th (TBC)

Description: A perfect course for Lent

Jesus’ death (and resurrection) was the most significant event in human history, yet remains shrouded in mystery. This course carefully explores each day leading up to the the cross – the events, words and actions of Jesus – which all take on extraordinary significance in light of his approaching death.

We use all four Gospels together to explore biblically, theologically, and chronologically what really happened on each day of that final week – and in the process, propose some unique solutions to those remaining mysteries – even the year of his death… A truly in-depth and life transforming course.

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.

MAY

Learn New Testament Greek

Have you ever wished you could read the Bible in its original language? You don’t need to be an expert linguist to learn some of the basics of NT Greek.

This course will begin in early May if enough participants have joined, so register your interest soon.

Facilitator: Rosie Button

CURRENTLY RUNNING

Further Greek

Location: Online

Hebrew Reading Group

Location: Online

Psalms - Make a Joyful Noise

Venue: On-site at St Andrew’s Church

Time & Date: 6 sessions, Tuesdays 7-9, starting Jan 14^th

Facilitator: Marilyn 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

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.

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

GTS has been working closely with the diocese of Gloucester and as a partner we want to promote their courses when running.

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

1st March 2025 – Oxford’s Christian Heritage

29th March – The Bible in the British Museum

26th April 2025 – Ashmolean Museum (Oxford)

‘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