Christianity for Life Course 2008

Who is this course for?

It is for YOU if: 

•  You feel that what you once knew about Christianity has been lost in the mists of time. 
• You would like to learn about the Christian faith in a small group setting, having never had the opportunity before. 
•  You attended church as a child and drifted away in later years but think that you might like to become associated with a church again. 
•  You sometimes think of attending a church more regularly but worry that it is “too late in my life to start” or are unsure which service or even which church would suit you best.
• If your answer to any of the above is “yes” or even just “maybe”, you may like to consider joining our
  Christianity for Life course starting in January 2008
  
  What is the format of the course?
  
  The course is based on the Emmaus Course written by senior Anglican clergy and lay people. The Emmaus title refers to Luke’s story of two travellers on their way to Emmaus, shortly after Jesus’ death; a stranger walks with them. The travellers eventually recognize the “stranger” as Jesus.
  
  The course is co-ordinated by Ann Fuller, one of the church’s Readers, and run by a team from the congregation with some input from the clergy. There is an occasional guest speaker. Friendly debate and lots of questions are encouraged and it is recognized that there are often no right or wrong answers.
  
  What topics are covered? 
•  What Christians believe 
•  How Christians grow 
•  Living the Christian life
  
  For those who wish, the course can lead to baptism and/or confirmation but no decision on this need be made until towards the end of the course.
  
  Dates of the course
  
  Monday evenings from 8.00 pm to about 9.30 pm, starting on 14 January and ending on 9 June 2008, with breaks for half terms, Holy Week and Easter Week, April school holidays and May Bank Holidays. Coffee/tea and biscuits available from 7.45 pm.
  
  Venue
  
  One of the small meeting rooms in the church hall complex behind the church.
  
  For more information or if you would like to join the course, please contact:
  
  Ann Fuller
  020 8868 6168
  
  or
  
  Reverend Elizabeth Birch
  020 8868 5363
  
  Participants’ thoughts on last year’s and previous courses:
  
  “the course is really ‘back to basics’ or ‘ grass roots’ kind of thing which is incredibly refreshing”
  
  “a time for reflection and peace, a chance to step back from the week and give some time to things that really matter”
  
  “At the start of the year I didn’t think there would be so much change in 6 short months, now I feel part of the community of St John’s and I am looking forward to exploring my faith and growing close to Christ”
  
  “I’m glad I did the course - having been confirmed when I was 13, it was helpful to re-visit issues from an adult’s perspective”
  
  “I was reassured to see others, who have been on the path for a longer time, still questioning the various aspects of what it means to be a Christian”
  
  “instructive, enlightening; helped me to have more understanding of what faith means”
  
  “it has served as a sign post in the right direction and begun to equip me for the journey ahead”
  
  “whilst there was no pressure to do so, people felt able to share many of their life experiences…both leaders and led learned from each other”
  
  “I have found the course very beneficial and it has enabled me to understand Christianity more thoroughly, especially the reasoning behind church services. It has also enabled me to get to know others and to feel a part of the community of St Johns”