Linvoy Primus of Portsmouth FC

Pompey defender Linvoy Primus (pictured left) will be one of many Christians helping Sarisbury people to sharpen up their knowledge.
Worshippers from St Paul’s and other local churches of all denominations are leading workshops and courses at Brookfield Community School as part of its Family Learning Week this month.

Families will be invited to learn more about parenting, music, home finances, coping with bullying and about Christianity itself during the half-term week – February 14-22.

Linvoy Primus, from Portsmouth Football Club. will talk about his faith at an introductory evening to the ‘Y’ course on February 18 at Sarisbury Green Community Centre.

The evening, which starts at 7.30pm, will also feature jazz pianist Jackie Linford and a meal. Tickets are free and are available on 01489 572207.

The ‘Y’ course, which introduces people to the Christian faith in a non-threatening way, will then continue on Wednesdays for another seven weeks at Sarisbury Green Social Club.

The Family Learning Week will also feature a taster session for a parenting course called ‘Parent Talk’, which will also continue in subsequent weeks.

Church members will use material put together by Care for the Family, a Christian charity. It begins on February 19 from 7.30pm to 9.30pm in the Adult and Community Learning Lounge at Brookfield School.

One of the three singing workshops on February 22 will be run by St Paul’s. Organist Jan Farrow will lead a choral workshop twice.

African and Gospel music workshops will also be run twice that afternoon, and the day will end with a performance. It may lead to the creation of a community choir.

Christian financial consultant Derek Williams, from Southsea, will lead a session called ‘Managing Family Finance’ on home finances, helping people to plan budgets and avoid debt. It will take place on February 18 from 7.30pm to 9.30pm in The Lodge at Brookfield School.

And Linda Van Peborgh, from reSource - a Christian counselling organisation in Havant - will run a session on ‘Bullies and Bullying - a Workshop for Parents’ from 7.30pm - 9.30pm on February 17 in the Adult and Community Learning Lounge at Brookfield School.

The vicar, the Rev Sandy Matheson, said: "I’m glad the Y course will be part of the learning week, as finding out about Christianity is something that is incredibly important. Once people know a bit about the faith, they are in a better position to decide whether it is for them or not."

The week will also include a Hallelujah Party for up to 50 children on February 19 from 5pm-7pm in the Lockswood Community Centre.

Five to 12-year-olds will be invited to join in music, activities and games. It may also herald the start of a regular children’s event in future.

For more information about the week, contact the Rev Sandy Matheson on 01489 572207.