New Start

Jesus calls his disciples to repent, to turn around and make a new start. Responding to that call, for the last 2 years the parish has dedicated 6 weeks in the build up to Easter to reflect on our Christian journey. We meet together for a meal, then the Rector offers some teaching for half an hour, and finally there are discussion groups. For many participants, this is one of the highlights of the parish’s year – especially as the course is concluded in Holy Week with a celebration of a Passover Meal.

Course Notes for 2010

Click on the relevant date below for course notes:

22nd February 2010 - will there be Muslims in heaven?

1st March 2010 - is the Pope Catholic?
8th March 2010 - moral conversations

15th March 2010 - do women belong in the kitchen?

22nd March 2010 - beyond sex

Click here for some reflections on the Seder Supper.

In 2009 we followed a “journey to Easter” by traveling through the main elements of the gospel narratives. This included

Praying with Jesus
Forming a Christ like character
Entering into the story of the Kingdom
Jesus: more than just a friend
Acting prophetically
Forgiving and being forgiven
The Passover meal

Course notes are available by clicking here

In 2008 we studied some hard questions about how reliable the Christian faith is, and how we can react in the midst of difficult times. We considered:

Feb 25 - Beyond here and now

When did the journey of faith start for you?
The wound of knowledge: Wrestling with demons
Becoming who we are meant to be
Living with the Prodigal Son

Mar 3 - A man worthy of attention: Jesus

So great a teacher we don’t even realise it
Jesus the pioneer: he’s more than we can hope to be
Did Jesus really exist or is Dan Brown right?

Mar 10 - The pain of the world

Tsunamis, earthquakes and many more unfair tragedies
Why couldn’t God have created a better world (and a better me)?
Some suffering demands respect and silence

Mar 17 - Remembering well

A meal be linked to a Seder Supper
The old stories that shape us
Making the past present so we can be strong in the future

Apr 21 - Do I believe in God?

Why should I bother to believe today?
Developing trust, in the company of others
Do I have to take on board the whole package of beliefs?

Apr 28 - Heaven and hell

Why should I care about being good?
Are non-believers going to hell?
How can I avoid seeming to be “holier than thou”?

May 12 - The unmentionables

Did the miracles really happen?
Was Mary truly a virgin?
“The resurrection of the body” is just weird!