Courses
The following courses are run within the Parish at different times, dates and locations. Check this page for updates of where and when the next course will be running.
The Alpha Course?
Course Content
The talks each week cover the following topics, which people are then free to discuss in the small groups afterwards:
Week 1 Who is Jesus?
Week 2 Why did Jesus Die?
Week 3 How can we have Faith?
Week 4 Why and how do I Pray?
Week 5 Why and how should I read the Bible?
Week 6 How does God Guide us?
Week 7 How can I Resist Evil?
Week 8 Why and how should I tell Others?
Week 9 Does God Heal Today?
Week 10 What about the Church?
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Who is the Holy Spirit?
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What does the Holy Spirit do?
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How can I be Filled with the Holy Spirit?
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How can I Make the Most of the Rest of my Life?
The Marriage Preparation Course
The Marriage Preparation Course is for any engaged couple who wants to develop strong foundations for a lasting marriage.
Over five evenings spent together you will learn important tools that will enable you to make your marriage work.
You will look at
- the importance of commitment
- how to recognise and appreciate your differences
- the art of communication
- resolving conflict
- spending time together
- nurturing your friendship
- making each other feel loved
- developing a good sexual relationship
- the importance of talking about your goals, values and dreams
The evenings are very relaxed. There are short talks interspersed with exercises and questions for you to discuss together as a couple.
The Marriage Course?
The Marriage Course is a series of eight sessions designed to help any married couple strengthen their relationship.
Talk titles
- Building Strong Foundations
- The Art of Communication
- Resolving Conflict
- The Power of Forgiveness
- Parents and In-Laws
- Good Sex
- Love in Action
- The Marriage Course Party - What makes a Marriage Work?
It’s a great opportunity to spend time together as a couple looking at the important issues in your marriage.
The Marriage Course is very practical and will help equip you with the tools needed to build a healthy marriage that lasts a lifetime.
Each week you are given the opportunity to enjoy being together and listen to a talk. Then there is plenty of time to discuss the topic as a couple. There is no group work involved at any stage of the course.
The Marriage Course is now being run in 60 countries and we hope you will be able to join us when we next run the course at St Mary's
Christianity Explored Course
Christianity Explored is for anyone who wants to investigate Christianity informally with a group of other people.
Whether you have previous experience of Church, Christians and the Bible, or none at all, this course is for you. Everyone is welcome - from the most sympathetic Sunday schooler to the convinced atheist. We will respect your background, culture and beliefs. Tell us as little or as much about yourself as you feel comfortable.
A meal is usually provided at the start of the evening (typically 7pm), so don't worry if you have to come straight from work. The course is normally run in several groups of 6-9 people, and after briefly discussing the course material from the week before, there is a talk or DVD on the theme for that week. Then the groups discuss any questions that have arisen, and the evening ends at about 9pm. Of course, if you'd like, you're welcome to stick around a bit longer for a coffee to discuss any further issues you might have.
And you can ask any question you want, at any time during the course.
The course last for 10 weeks, including a weekend (or day) away, when you can explore other areas such as the Bible, the Holy Spirit, prayer and the church.
Growing Leaders Course
A recipe for growing Christian leaders …
- Take one unlikely candidate
- mix with a handful of grace and carefully knead
- add in the Bible at regular intervals
- place in a suitable ministry
- gently mentor using a mature Christian
- cover well with the fruit of the Spirit
- and simmer for eighteen months with prayer
...then watch them grow
Research shows that growing, healthy churches have effective leadership at every level – from small group leaders to the minister. Yet many churches struggle to identify and resource leaders. People are busy. Time is limited.
Yet growing healthy leaders is vital. Where can leaders find help?
The Growing Leaders Course.