During Lent each year our regular homegroups stop meeting, and we have the opportunity to gather as a whole church, to meet new people, encourage one another, and to learn and grow as we consider the impact of God’s word on different areas of life. This year our Lent groups will run in two blocks of 3 weeks.
- Block 1 is on Wednesday 14th, 21st and 28th February.
- Block 2 is on Wednesday 6th, 13th and 20th March.
A daytime option will be provided in both blocks (10:45am for coffee, group runs 11am-12noon). Block 1 at Emmanuel. Block 2 at St John’s.
We really hope you find the groups helpful and interesting! Sign up below…
Timetable
7:45pm Coffee / Tea and chat
8:00pm Meet together to sing and pray
8:10pm Groups begin
9:00pm Groups finish
What’s on offer
1. Putting Parenting to Bed
Do we really need more parenting advice? How hard can it be? “Advice Overload” from endless experts has actually undermined the confidence of today’s parents. We want parents to be liberated to enjoy their children and the adventure of raising them. Through videos and discussion we will be looking at some simple, common-sense basics for raising children with confidence, based on the age-old, tried and tested wisdom of the Bible.
2. One
Racism. Windrush. George Floyd. Black Lives Matter. Immigration. Multiculturalism. Rethinking Britain’s colonial past. Justice.
Race has become a huge talking point in the UK today, and one that’s highly charged. But the Bible’s take on it is that one day people from every tribe and language, people and nation will worship around the throne of God, who made the world in all its wonderful diversity. This Lent course offers a chance to talk positively about race, the Bible, and the church. Using video and talking points from the CEEC (Church of England Evangelical Council) ‘One’ course, we’ll think about our own attitudes, and how the church can be a beacon of light in a world in which difference often results in suspicion, discrimination and conflict.
3. Being Good Stewards
Many people struggle to manage their money; should we worry about this as Christians?
Based on Biblical principles, we will look at household budgeting, investing, borrowing, interest, pensions and wills – and maybe even a little tax! All in simple terms for the financial novice to help improve our stewardship of what God has given us. Bring your questions!
4. Languages of the Bible
It can be easy to forget that the Bible wasn’t written in English! These sessions will look at the original Biblical languages and the journey the texts went on to arrive at an English version. We’ll discuss why it matters that we have this understanding and how it can impact our theological interpretation.
We’ll also take a look at these languages: alphabet, basic grammar and vocabulary. These sessions will give you an introduction to learning them and help you know what to look for when going back to the original texts.
5. Hope Explored
There are few emotions more powerful than hope. It’s a spark inside you that brings a smile to your lips, a light that shows on your face, a feeling that lifts your head and pulls you forward. Hope is what keeps us alive. Real hope is what the Christian faith claims to offer. And when we’ve found it, don’t we long to share it with others?
Hope Explored is a 3 week course from the makers of Christianity Explored, with video, bible study and discussion. Try it out during Lent so that you’re better prepared to share the reason for the hope you have, and so that you know what to expect and are ready to invite a friend, neighbour or colleague along when it runs after Easter.
6. Book Group: The Secular Creed
How would you respond to these messages?
‘Black Lives Matter’; ‘Love is Love’; ‘Gay Rights are Civil Rights’; ‘Women’s Rights are Human Rights’; ‘Transgender Rights are Women’s Rights’
In this course we’ll discuss how Rebecca McLaughlin’s book, ‘The Secular Creed’ helps us disentangle the beliefs we gladly affirm as Christians from those we cannot embrace. This book invites us to talk with our neighbours about the things that really matter most, presenting Christianity as the original source and firmest foundation for true diversity, equality and life-transforming love.
7. Weave the Seasons
Each person will make a rustic, woven wall hanging with each quarter representing a different season. We can use fabric scraps, wool, ribbon etc from individuals own supply, donations or what we have at church already.
Some prep in the form of bringing their own sticks would be helpful by those who sign up.
8. The Apostles’ Creed
Why did the church write or need a creed, and what does it all mean anyway? Why do we say we believe in holy catholic church? Did the early church believe what we believe and who decided what should be in the creed? Three weeks to cover God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit.
9. Side by Side
Everyone needs help from time to time, especially in the midst of painful circumstances and difficult trials. As a church family we long to bear one another’s burdens. This course starts with the conviction that we are all both needy and needed.
Because pastoral care isn’t just for a special team but for every church member, so is this course. It’s about developing our helping skills, preparing us to walk side by side with hurting people, offering gentle words of wisdom and kind acts of love. Join us if you want God use your ordinary relationships and conversations to bring his grace to the lives of others.