St Peter’s is hosting an exciting new study group, starting this autumn.
Exploring Faith Matters (EfM) is a study course built around conversation groups of around six to eight members. Each group arranges its own weekly meetings through the year. A typical pattern of meetings would be 12 from September to Christmas, 12 from January to Easter and six after Easter.
There are no written assignments. Spiritual growth comes through the sharing of ideas and responses to books and texts.
The group has a trained mentor who fosters its growth as a learning community by:
- hosting a welcoming space
- offering a framework for discussion,
- encouraging weekly worship, and
- ensuring the well-being of the group
The meetings draw from the preparation each member can do. This is mainly reading chapters from suggested books, alongside the Bible; but it can include the sharing of personal experiences, reflections and the stories of everyday life. We are grateful for what people bring, in all its diversity.
The set texts form four streams, of one year each. They are by recognised writers in biblical studies, theology, history and aspects of faith. You are welcome to read other writers too.
We regularly reflect on our faith tradition, our culture, our personal experiences and our responses.
So if you fancy reading a bit more about the Bible, church history or current understanding of aspects of our faith, please have a word with Julie Withers or Mary Graham.
