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Growing as a Christian
Living out the Christian faith is not easy in the fast changing and incredibly complicated world in which we live. The past months, for example, have seen an amazing struggle between concerns for public safety and the protection of individual liberty. There is growing concern about climate change and limited natural resources, the power of multinationals and the need to encourage fair trade, the growing divide between the rich and poor, and the devastating results of the worldwide AIDS epidemic.
It is vitally important that as Christians we attempt to engage with our complex world. If we don’t, then we are in danger of being irrelevant and out of touch. This theme of engaging with the secular world was highlighted by the new Bishop of Guildford, Christopher Hill, in his introductory letter to the parishes of the Diocese. It is a challenging task for the church in every age, not least our own.
Here in our Parish there are many small groups and self-study opportunities to help us to grow in our Christian lives. Courses and events are also organised by the diocese and by individual churches that are open to everyone. Do look out for them on our Notice Board.
In preparation for Easter, small Lent groups gather in private homes and at the church. In 2006 we chose to follow a course called 'Life Balance' which encourages us to examine our patterns of rest, work and play, and to look afresh at our values and life principles in the light of the Bible's teaching about the Sabbath.
In July, the Guildford Diocese holds a Summer School at different venues in the area. A wide selection of courses, workshops, seminars and group discussions are on offer.
Bible Reading Fellowship is well supported in the parish. It provides small inexpensive booklets to help and encourage us in maintaining a regular pattern of Bible reading. The clergy also offer Early Communion preparation classes for children and young people as well as Preparation for Confirmation classes for those wishing to be confirmed as Christians. To learn more about any of these contact the Parish Office.
To read personal testimonies from Christians go to the Faith pages on the Church of England website. You will also find links to additional sites that talk about the life of Jesus Christ. |
