The Bishop's Foundation Course
Help for Christians in growing more confident as followers of Christ
Everything you wanted to know about Christianity (well almost)…
Have you ever sat in church (or anywhere for that matter!) with a confused look on your face, wishing you knew a bit more about the Bible; or what the Creed means; or what happened on the first Easter Day; or what you should make of certain moral issues?
If you DO have lots of questions or, just want to deepen your understanding of the Christian faith, then you may be interested in:
THE BISHOP’S FOUNDATION COURSE
This is a 23 session course, one evening a week for two terms. We cover a different topic every week, each with a different speaker (normally a member of the clergy from the Diocese). Lots of ideas, differing approaches, discussions and questions; the ideal way to learn!
Term 1 starts 14th January 2008
Session 1 -Introductory session:Getting to know each other
Session 2 -What is ‘Faith’?
Session 3 -The Bible-Its Authority and Role
Session 4 -Outline of the Old Testament History
Session 5 -Prophecy-from the Old Testament to today
Session 6 -The Influence of St Paul
Session 7 -An Introduction to the Four Gospels
Session 8 -The Passover
Session 9 -The Kingdom of God
Term 2 starts 31st March 2008
Session 10 -God the Father
Session 11 -God the Son
Session 12 -God the Holy Spirit
Session 13 -Knowing God the Holy Trinity-Prayer
Session 14 -Atonement:Why did Jesus die?
Session 15 -The Eucharisy:A Saturday Session
Session 16 -Holy Baptism
Session 17 -The Nicene Creed:People, Politics and Power
Session 18 -Outline of Church History up to the Reformation
Session 19 -The Reformation
Session 20 -The Anglican Church
Session 21 -Differing Ministries
Session 22 -2000 on-W[h]ither the Church?
Session 23 -Reflection/Feedback on the course and final party
Chaplain: the Revd Meg Kirby
Venue & time: Rowlands Castle St John's Church Hall (small), 7.00pm-9.00pm
Each session includes a break for coffee.
There are two sessions which take place at weekends (dates to be arranged with course members once the course is underway) – one on the Passover (including a Passover meal) and one on the Eucharist. Please note, neither of these costs is included in the Course Fees.
There is one piece of written work to be done (about 1,000 words) which will not be marked, but about which students can receive helpful comments.
There is a Course Chaplain to support you, offer help, and hopefully dispel any worries that might arise.
Cost: £22.50 per term
If you are interested, please download an application form from here and send the completed form to:
Mrs Kay Lancaster
Diocese of Portsmouth
First Floor,
Peninsular House
Wharf Rd
Portsmouth,
PO2 8HB
Alternatively if you wish a form to be sent to you please contact Mrs Kay Lancaster: Telephone - 023 9289 9656 or email
This course usually books up very quickly and this year our publicity arrangements have already been delayed. If you would like a place, it would be very helpful if you could return the completed form as soon as possible.
FURTHER OPPORTUNITIES
When you have completed the Bishop’s Foundation Course, you may wish to progress further. The final session of the Foundation Course involves discussion of what you can do next.
