This year, we are offering a wide range of groups to join. Most of them run twice and last for three weeks. However some of them are 6 weeks long. The descriptions below will make it clear. You can book using the form below or if you prefer, you can use the paper booking forms found in the Welcome Area.
The three week courses will offer flexibility to share parenting responsibilities or perhaps you can’t manage three consecutive weeks and you can pick up a week you missed in the second round.
We will all start together in church from 7.45pm, don’t worry if you can’t make it by then, just get there when you can, grab a coffee and join in. Groups will finish by 9pm!
Please also note that there is a Sunday afternoon option for youngsters to get involved and the details are below. Daytime groups are also on offer meeting at 10:45 at Emmanuel.
Groups are not academic or hard work, they are designed to be helpful and engaging.
Groups on offer this year are:
- Sing a New Song
An informal session where we’ll sing through some of the newer songs from Sunday services and some potential new songs with discussion on what they are about, the scripture they’re based on and why they have been included in our repertoire.
- Wonderfully made-Psalm 139 – For everyone aged 11 and under with their grown-ups!
An afternoon “Lent Course” focussing on Psalm 139 where you’ll spend time together as a family discovering the amazing truth that God knows you, is with you and made you, whilst playing games, reading stories and getting creative. Activities will be differentiated for different ages and you can work at your own pace and choose what works best for you and your children.
Organised and facilitated by Robin.
Note dates: March 2nd, 9th and 23rd March, 3pm-3:45pm. - God’s Generous Welcome
In Luke’s Gospel Jesus shares food and fellowship on 10 occasions. Nothing unusual – people need to eat! But the people with whom he eats causes controversy, even as it expresses the richness of God’s grace.
Throughout the Bible the Lord’s rich and generous welcome is extended to others by His people as they share with those who are in need. Romans 12:13 commands us to “Practice hospitality.” 1 Peter 4:9 adds “without grumbling”! Come to discuss how we can put that into practise in our own homes and corporately as a church. - Raising Confident Kids
Our children are growing up in a confusing world. Who’s voice do they listen to? How can they discover who they are? Where can they find security? This course will help parents, grandparents and anyone involved in children’s ministry, to help young people confidently navigate a confusing world.
The second week involves an evening in Guildford hearing from Ed Drew and Faith in Kids. Tickets are £5 (suggested cost). https://www.faithinkids.org/upcoming-events/ - Amazing Grace
As Christians, we know ‘its all about grace.’ Sometimes, though, our definition of ‘grace’ is too narrow. With a light touch on ancient languages and a lot of practical application, this course aims to open our eyes to the grace of the Triune God on every page of Scripture. - Hope for our Conscience – Cleansing for Guilt and Disagreeing Well
This isn’t something we talk about often, but all of us have consciences. That instinctive sense of what is right and wrong. They’re a gift from God, but sometimes they can cause us trouble, particularly around guilt and disagreement. Come think about how the gospel cleanses our conscience of guilt and transforms the way we relate to people we disagree with. - “What if we’ve got it all wrong?”
How do we know we can trust the Bible? Stories are notoriously easy to alter over the years and myths grow up around ordinary events. Is it reasonable to believe the Bible and if so why? Who wrote the creation account and how can we trust it? How do we answer questions about the gospels, do we know who wrote them, when they wrote them and why? - Generosity Project
This is a great opportunity for us over 3 weeks to learn and understand what God is saying about generosity and then pray for and encourage one another to put it into practice.
General format
An initial video (10 to 15 mins) to watch as a group then discuss questions related to it.
A Bible study section with passages to read and discuss together (about 20 mins). We will break into smaller groups for this.
Questions, case studies and prayer to help us discuss and pray about what we’ve learned, and apply it to our own lives (20 mins).
We will remain in our small groups for this part too.
What do you need to do now? Collect your copy of ‘The Generosity Project’ book from the Church Office. It has everything we need for each Bible study/video session. You can also access the video via the website: https://matthiasmedia.com.au/pages/the-generosity-project - Jesus-The Game Changer
Jesus the game changer is a documentary series on how the life and teaching of Jesus changed the world and why it matters. Authors, speakers and modern day game changers are interviewed. Each evenings session is self contained so it won’t matter if you miss a week. Afterwards there is an opportunity to meet in small groups to discuss the evenings subject.