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Access

ACCESS is a series of short courses available to be run in parishes and deaneries around the Diocese of Chelmsford. The first two courses are:

• Getting to Know the Bible: an introduction for anyone who would like to gain confidence in finding their way around the Bible. You do not need to have opened a Bible before to take part! The course gives a basic outline of the Bible and its contents and looks at how we can read the Bible for ourselves.
• The Bible for Every Day: building on Getting to Know the Bible this course explores the different types of literature in the Bible; some of the themes in the Old and New Testaments; the relevance of the Bible for life today and the value of different approaches to Bible study.

Both courses have been piloted in various parts of the diocese. Comments from those participating in the courses included:

"Very interesting and understandable. Nothing went over my head. My attention was held all the time. Thoroughly enjoyable."
"Gave me confidence. Would like to go on and discover more."
"Very useful introduction to finding your way around the books of the Bible."

Who is it for?

The courses are intended for anyone who would like to meet with others to explore and learn more about different aspects of the Christian faith. People can do just one course or the whole series depending on their circumstances and needs.

ACCESS is particularly for people who would like to do some study but feel that the Course in Christian Studies might be too long or too demanding. It may be that having done some of the ACCESS courses students might want to think about the Course in Christian Studies but that is entirely up to them.

What is an ACCESS course?

Each course is designed to be led by a local tutor and lasts for five or six weeks, during which time the members meet for a weekly session lasting about two hours (with a break in the middle for coffee). Each course may be run over two Saturdays if there is the demand. The courses include input from the tutor, various activities and handouts and plenty of time to discuss with other members of the group.

Who and Where?

Each course needs a local tutor willing to commit to leading the course as well as an appropriate venue. An individual parish may want to run a course or a group of parishes or a deanery. Some training for tutors is available from the diocese if required.

How much does it cost?

A pack to run each course costs £20 (+p&p). This includes the tutor’s notes as well as student handouts, which can be photocopied and Overhead Projector material.

When is the material available?

The first two courses are available from the Diocesan Resource Centre.

If you would like further information about the courses in the meantime please contact:

Revd. Philip Ritchie
Lay Ministry Education Co-ordinator
Diocesan Office, 53 New Street, Chelmsford, CM1 1AT
Tel: 01245 294449
email: pritchie@chelmsford.anglican.org

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