Living Faith is on the wing
The first Living Faith groups in the diocese have started!
Twenty six people signed up in the Caldicot benefice, where two groups are meeting weekly in Caldicot and Portskewett. They have been reading the Study Guide week by week, and then meeting to discuss and share their insights with the support and guidance of their tutors, Pastor Jim Davies and Judith Anderson. Judging from their comments, they are enthusiastic about the course:
- “It’s excellent – I enjoy the discussion – I’d hate to miss a session!”
- “It’s lovely to see how people relate what they are learning to everyday life.”
- “Initially I was a bit daunted, but it is very stimulating.”
- “I enjoy listening to other people’s views.”
- “It’s thought-provoking – I end up thinking about it during the week.”
- “I am enjoying it and getting a lot out of it spirituality-wise.”
- “We are all on a journey together – a journey deeper into God.”
Members of the groups come from several congregations and represent a wide range of backgrounds, ages and interests, which all contributes to lively discussion and some interesting shared learning! Judith says the sessions are going ‘really well’. The Rector, the Revd Lyndon Harrison, has been enthusiastic in his support for Living Faith in the benefice, which he hopes will make people more confident about their faith.
The first module of Living Faith looks at Spirituality and Prayer, and so far the groups have explored the Jewish tradition which Jesus would have known, the experience of the Desert Fathers, Celtic Christianity, and the contributions of Francis of Assisi and Julian of Norwich. An ongoing project throughout the module is to reflect on the Lord’s Prayer and to re-write it in a contemporary context and situation. Each session also has a time of worship, which Pastor Jim describes as ‘very powerful’.
Meanwhile, Living Faith is coming to Newport! Plans are underway for two groups starting in the Autumn.
If you are in the Newport area and would be interested in joining a Living Faith group, or if you are thinking about starting a Living Faith group in your parish or deanery, please contact Ms Lisa Tregenza, the Learning Development Adviser