December 2007: 108 Lay Ministers from the Diocese took part in a conference held at Brunel Manor near Torquay in Devon.


This was the first ever Lay Ministers conference held by the Diocese and was planned and led by the Lay ministers themselves. The theme was ‘Keys of the Kingdom’ and this was explored through Bible study, music, drama and opportunities to experience different aspects of practical ministry. Bishop Bob is Bishop of Crediton in the Exeter diocese but started out as a Reader candidate in the parish of Christ the Servant Stockwood in Bristol Diocese before being ordained. Bishop Lee spoke on the opening evening and at the final communion. The bible studies are all on the theme of the Kingdom of God.

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Bishop Lee Rayfield; introduction >> Size: 9mb
Bishop Bob Evens #1 >> Size: 38mb, Duration: 53 mins
Bishop Bob Evens #2 >> Size: 34mb, Duration: 48 mins
Bishop Bob Evens #3 >> Size: 27mb, Duration: 37 mins
Bishop Lee Rayfield; closing message >> Size: 13mb

Elaine Storkey, President of Tearfund speaks at the Swindon Mission Network. Elaine introduces the Global Poverty Prayer Week, and discusses the main focal points for Church prayer groups; HIV/AIDS, climate change, disasters, trade justice, water and sanitation. She talks about the need for prayer in these situations, and the network of support between churches worldwide. To save this audio recording, right-click the download link and choose "Save target as".

Download >> Size: 21.7mb

Jane Williams, wife of The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, speaks in Swindon on the confidence to share your faith, citing examples from her own experience.

- Responding to questions about suffering in the world
- The theology of the bible
- Christians as 'forgiven', not necessarily 'good'
- Difficult questions of the church
- Christianity as 'caught', not 'taught'
- Books which have helped with Jane's own journey

Download >> Size: 21.2mb

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How can we make our worship services more accessible and engaging? Bishop Mike considers some of the signals we send in our worship and how they might help or hinder the experience.	Bishop Mike Hill. Photo courtesy of Walter Dirks
To save this audio recording, right-click the download link and choose "Save target as".	Download >> Size: 5.71mb

 

Victor Howlett talks about his experience planting churches in Stratton St Margaret, Swindon. Their use of non-church schools (for advertising and hosting church groups in return for Victor, & his colleague Greg, occasionally taking assemblies), lay administrative support and existing networks in the community has enabled rapid establishment of small church plants throughout the Parish.“
To save this audio recording, right-click the download link and choose "Save target as".	Download >> Size: 3.85mb

The rejesus website has been developed by the main churches in England for people to explore who Jesus was and is. The site offers an enormous variety of information, spirituality, interaction and entertainment, and is highly recommended for people who are not sure about what Christian faith means or involves, or what they believe.

Visit rejesus.co.uk >>
"How to pray" >>

Alpha
The Alpha Course is an opportunity for anyone to explore the Christian faith in a relaxed setting over ten thought-provoking weekly sessions, with a day or weekend away. It is low-key, friendly and fun - and is supported by all the main Christian denominations. There will almost certainly be a course running near you. Why not take this opportunity to explore the meaning of life?

Visit the Alpha website >>


Emmaus
Emmaus: The Way of Faith is a course designed to welcome people into the Christian faith and the life of the church. It aims to involve the whole church in evangelism, the nurture of new believers and ongoing Christian discipleship. It is rooted in an understanding of evangelism, nurture and discipleship modelled on the example of Jesus in the story of the Emmaus Road.

The Emmaus approach
In his report Finding Faith Today, John Finney, one of the authors of Emmaus, found that most people:

- come to faith in Christ through relationship with a group of Christians;
- become Christians gradually, over a period of time - 'Damascus road' conversions are quite rare;
- find entry into church life reasonably easy – if they come with a friend;
- find that 'belonging' to a church comes before 'believing', and not the other way round.


Visit the Emmaus website >>

Cursillo gives you ways to grow in your Christian faith – for example through short courses and retreats, and by being part of one of a number of small groups that meet regularly. The meetings combine teaching input, time for reflection, and the opportunity to grow in experience of God. Share our Diocese's goal of creating communities of wholeness with Christ at the centre.

It's down to earth, applies to work and home life, and is fun! Get in touch or go along to find out more, and Cursillo are happy to speak about their work in churches and deanery synods.

For more details:
visit the website www.bristolcursillo.co.uk
e-mail enquiries@bristolcursillo.co.uk
or contact Chris Newton-Evans on 01666 837187