Current & Upcoming Courses
SEPTEMBER
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.
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.
OCTOBER
Ageing Gracefully
Time & Date: 6 sessions, 2 – 4.30pm, starting Tuesday, Oct 1st.
Venue: St Lawrence Parish Centre, Barnwood
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.
A One-Day Journey through the Bible
A one day event: Saturday October 12, 9am-4pm
Location: Kendal Road Baptist Church, Kendal Rd, Longlevens GL2 0NB(Others welcome to join)
Refreshments provided, please bring a Bible and a packed lunch
The Bible is a massive book, and understanding it can take a lifetime. Where do we even begin? Why not start with what we can learn in just one day! It may seem crazy to try to cover the whole storyline of the Bible in a day, but that will be our attempt – for those intrepid enough to take this journey…
The details will naturally be limited, but if you studied a map of the world for a day, you’d have a good idea of the continents, oceans, major geographical features, and key countries.
Same with the Bible. We’ll ‘map it out’, go through the key features, themes, people and storyline, along with some great discussion, diagrams, powerpoint, and plenty of refreshments.
Creation, Climate & Christianity
CURRENTLY RUNNING
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.
Called to Live
In the comfort of your own home, via Zoom, Pauline Godfrey will offer you a reflective space to consider how you are living out your faith from Sunday to Saturday wherever you are and whoever you are with.
‘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