Living Faith
There has been a strong response from the diocese to the forthcoming lay learning programme, Living Faith. Following articles in recent editions of the Newsletter, and Bishop Dominic’s enthusiastic endorsement at the Diocesan Conference, a number of parishes have approached LisaTregenza, the Learning Development Adviser, for further details, and at least five groups are being planned, to begin either in the New Year or after Easter.
“The positive response has been very encouraging”, says Lisa. “Some parishes are using the course as a basis for equipping lay people to take a greater part in ministry in their churches, other are wanting to provide an opportunity for people to learn more about their faith as part of growing in their discipleship.”
Living Faith consists of six modules, each of ten sessions. The programme can be completed in two years, and includes modules on Spirituality and Prayer, New Testament, Questions of Faith, Reshaping Church, Old Testament, and Challenging Choices (Ethics). Groups will be run locally, and could consist of people from individual parishes, groups of parishes, or deaneries.
If you have a group who could be interested in running Living Faith in your area, contact Ms Lisa Tregenza
Learning Alive!
A new range of short training courses is now available to parishes. Under the overall title of Learning Alive, the ‘menu’ of courses includes practical training to read in church, to lead intercessions, and to make visits on behalf of the church. There are also sessions on being a welcoming church, leading housegroups, and visiting the sick, as well as more general courses on the practice of prayer, the theology of hymns, and church architecture. Another course, which many churches may find especially helpful, looks at discovering the gifts that God has given us.
Courses range in length from one to four sessions of up to 2½ hours.
These courses are all available to be run at local level in your parish – parishes should contact Lisa for more details.
And if your parish identifies a need for training that isn’t presently covered by the ‘menu’ of courses available, please get in touch with Lisa, as the range of short courses is evolving all the time in response to feedback from the diocese.