Lent School Courses 2008

 

Module Lent 1: Churches Together Today

What is Ecumenism? Has it a better future in 2008? The biblical and historical aspects of ecumenism. The 21st century as the ecumenical century and the new covenants between churches. Sharing what is happening at the grassroots.

Please note: this course is also being offered as Easter module 2 

Tutor: Canon Eileen French	Wednesday evenings 7.30-9.30pm
Emmanuel Church, Chadwell St. Mary	February 20,27 March 5,12,19

Module Lent 2: Let Us Be Human

We are all increasingly aware of the debates which have now gained huge momentum around questions of climate change, our ecosystems, and related matters. Some of these debates are about where the evidence points towards human activities contributing to a rapid degradation of the earth’s capacity to sustain life. Other parts of the debate are now starting to address questions about how we might live differently in the light of these realizations, and in mitigation of disaster. The Christian faith has plenty to say about living sustainably and faithfully within God’s created order. How might we put our theology, our big global questions, and our own choices of lifestyle into a constructive dialogue? This short discussion and workshop course will help us in this daunting task.

Tutor: Revds. Paul Trathen & Sam Norton	Wednesday mornings 10am-12pm
Diocesan Office, Chelmsford	February 20,27 March5,19

Module Lent 3: Leading in a Time of Change

What skills are needed to be a Christian leader today in the workplace and in the local church? The course will explore themes including: Who me? A leader? Personality and vocation: Biblical insights; whose vision are we following? Handling change and conflict; tasks of leadership and staying healthy under pressure.

Tutor: Revd Canon Roger Matthews	Monday evenings 7.30-9.30pm
Diocesan Office, Chelmsford	February 25, March 3, 10, 17

Module Lent 4: The Streams of Living Water

Taking its inspiration from the book ‘Streams of Living Water’ by Richard Foster (author of ‘Celebration of Discipline’) this course will look at how to live a spiritual life from the perspective of the different great traditions of the Christian faith.

Please note: There is no charge for this course .

Tutor: Revd Richard Morgan	Wednesday evenings 7.30-9.30pm
Marks Tey	February 20,27, March 5,12,19

         
 

Module Lent 5: Hear the Word of the Lord

The prophets of the eighth and seventh centuries BC - Amos, Isaiah and others, challenged the people over injustice: how dare the rich exploit the poor and needy? And over idolatry: would they or would they not worship and serve the one true God? This module takes a look at what they said, and why they said it and how their words continued to be words of authority for future generations.

Tutor: Revd. Graham Hamborg	Monday evenings 7.30-9.30pm
Rayleigh	February 18,25 March 3,10

   

Module Lent 6: Science and Faith 

This course will look at current issues at the interface of science and faith and whether they can coexist. Themes explored will be: The web of creation and its interconnection; the image of God; animals, how should we treat them; can science replace God? 

Tutors: Revd. Joyce Smith, Graham Taylor & Patrick Smith	Tuesday evenings 7.30-9.30pm
St. Lawrence, Ninefields, Waltham Abbey	February 19,26 March 4,11,18

 

Module Lent 7: How can you call this Church?

Are Fresh Expressions of church the fad of the few or the next evolution for the modern church? The aim of this module is to give an overall appreciation of what is taking place today as churches seek to engage with society, and include those for whom church is a no go area. The sessions will include input from Fresh Expressions practitioners.

Tutor:  Revd. Charlie Kosla	Tuseday evenings 7.30-9.30pm
Cathedral Learning Centre, Chelmsford	February 19,26, March 4,11,18

 

Module Lent 8: Graven Images? An introduction to Christian Art

This course looks at how artists have depicted the Christian story - both biblical and in church history. There will be discussion about the place of religious art in our churches and in our homes. The course will be illustrated with slides and examples of religious art.
 

Tutor: Revd Bob Wallace	Wednesday evenings 7.30—9.30pm
St Peter's Church, Hutton	February 13,20,27, March 5,12

Module Lent 9: Doing Theology

The issues that face us as Christians are increasingly complex and daunting. What might our faith have to say to those issues, and how do we know that what we say about our faith is tested in the light of scripture, tradition and reason? Drawing on Laurie Green's work ’Lets do Theology’ this will be an opportunity to discover how we use the skills of academics, teachers and communities to ’do’ Theology in our own context. It is open to anyone who would like to explore theology in a group context and who would like to explore their faith through today’s issues.
 

Tutor: Revd John Brown	Wednesday evenings 7.30-9.30pm
Trinity Centre, Baxter Road, Ilford	February 27, March 5,12,19

 

Module Lent 10: Generosity and Mission

A 5 week course that explores God's mission through the Church and the way we play our part using all the gifts he has generously given us. The sessions, which include video, Bible study and discussion, are led by the three Area Parish Development Advisers. Because one of the aims of the course is to explore the real meaning and practice of stewardship in parishes, it would be good to attend with a colleague, lay or ordained.

Tutor: Revd Martin Wood, Robin Stevens & Annie Coley	Tuesday evenings 7.30-9.30pm
Diocesan Office, Chelmsford	February 19,26, March 4,11,18

 

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