New year is a time when people take stock of their lives and explore new things. Many of our churches across the diocese have considered this and have been running Alpha and other evangelistic courses since the start of the year, offering people a chance to explore Christianity, ask questions and find out more about Jesus.
Many of these churches offered invitations to those who came along to Christmas services and may not regularly attend church, with the hope of turning single visits into longer term relationships with church and with God.
Sherbornes with Pamber Churches
The church ran a three-week course called ‘Hope Explored’ and invited people to discover where true hope can be found. The Wednesday night session included a video and discussion and a meal together at the rectory.
Invitations were given out at Christmas events for anyone who wanted to come and find out more about Jesus. Some of those who attended a similar course last year now come along to the church and home groups.
This year’s course brought together participants from the church community and others who don’t come regularly to church. Revd Stewart Deering said, “Like many churches, Christmas is a great opportunity to welcome people. People love to come to services and sing carols, but we want to give them more than that. We want to be sharing the Gospel and giving them something to think about. Having a course like this is so important, so people can come back and ask any questions, have time to look at what the bible says and to meet Jesus in the scriptures, have time to talk it through together and hear stories from others. It’s born great fruit in the past, so we think it’s important to do.”
The Benefice of Ampfield, Chilworth and North Baddesley
The benefice of Ampfield, Chilworth and North Baddesley wanted to reach out to as many people as possible is running a ‘Pilgrim Course’ twice a month on the first Wednesday afternoon at All Saints in North Baddesley and on the second Saturday morning at St. Mark’s Church in Ampfield.
It is an opportunity for people to explore together, with a time of bible reflection to help people learn and grow in faith and a time of discussion and prayer. One participant said, “I have found it to be a safe place in which to explore and share my understanding of scripture and to enable deepening of my own faith.”
Another added, “I really valued a regular dedicated time, to explore, reflect and discuss the bible in more depth, with like-minded people.”
St Paul’s, Winchester
St Paul’s Winchester ran a course for people who were “curious about church”. The church invited anyone who enjoyed the services over Christmas to pop in again in January to get to know them and the church a bit better. The 45-minute sessions ran over three Saturdays with coffee and pastries, followed by a short talk, questions and discussion.
The three sessions looked at three key places in the church, each a focus for Christian life – the font representing baptism and the beginning of the journey of faith; the lectern with the Bible and the God who speaks to us; and the altar offering the chance to hear about Holy Communion and the sacrifice of Jesus.
Revd Canon Prof Liz Stuart said, “We were conscious that many people who do not normally come to church, do come to one or more at Christmas and we wanted to offer them and those who feel on the margins of the Church an opportunity after Christmas to explore some of the key elements of Christianity through some of the distinctive features of the church building. By focusing in turn on the font, eagle lectern and altar, we were able to explore baptism, scripture and Holy Communion in an accessible way and had some interesting and wide-ranging discussions.”
St James’ by the Park, Southampton
In January and February St James’ by the Park has invited people to “Investigate Jesus’. During the course, participants looked at the earliest writings about Jesus, examined his teaching, his lifestyle and his actions and how a relationship with Him can transform our lives. Over four Tuesday evenings, they watched short videos, had discussion and plenty of time for questions – along with drinks and cake.
Vicar Dan Clark said, “We’re looking at some passages from the gospels – either printed or watching a TV version – and using some of the ‘discovery Bible study’ questions. The group is small, but they are hungry to learn. One young man had never been into a church until last Sunday but has listened to lots of podcasts. One older lady came to our carol service as her first church service in decades. They probably wouldn’t have signed up for a full Alpha course yet – but through this shorter series they are beginning to encounter Jesus through the gospels.”
