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The Toolbox Training
Spring 2024
Hello everyone and welcome to the Toolbox options for the coming term. Toolbox is our programme for Discipleship - offering a number of different options (tools) to join in with as we all seek to grow in our faith journey. Some of us are still exploring faith, others are new Christians and some of us are mature in the faith.
Last term we continued with many of our regular studies and groups which are proving to be a blessing for many. A number of us meet weekly with others in small groups for Bible study. These groups take place on different days and times in the week; some in homes and some at the Church Centre. Please do let us know if you would be interested in joining a small group.
Others enjoy the flexibility of opting in to a shorter course for study and discussion. Last term these included a Christianity Explored course, the Marriage Course, a Podcast discussion group, and an LICC course called RePurpose - focusing on retirement.
We used a couple of Saturdays to set time aside for reflection - on our Refresh Retreat, and for some in depth learning - on our Walk Thru the Bible day.
I encourage you to look through all the options for this coming term and consider what would be good for you to join in with as you continue to grow in your discipleship. It is important for all of us to continue to learn, reflect and grow as Christians.
Most events will be held at GBC, but some are elsewhere - details are given under each event. For some events we ask that you book your place as this helps with managing the event; for others feel free to turn up on the day - again these details are shown under each event. Where booking is required, please send an email to office@godmanchesterbaptist.org or phone the office on 01480 458565 and leave a message.
And finally, if you have any questions or suggestions for future Toolbox options, please let me know.
God bless
Daniel
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Small Groups
Weekly on various days and times, in different homes, currently on Tuesday evenings and Wednesday mornings.
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At GBC we have some weekly groups that meet in people's homes. For some people this continues to be a really helpful way to learn and grow together. If you would like to join one of these groups, please speak to Daniel.
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Monday 2.30pm-4.00pm at GBC
Starts 8 January
Led by Philip Thompson
No booking required
Tuesday 7.45pm-9.00pm at GBC
(refreshments from 7.30pm)
Starts 16 January
Led by Daniel Beckett
No booking required
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Two opportunities each week for further Bible study, usually linked to the Sunday morning celebration preach. When we hear someone preach, it can lead to further questions and reflections that can’t be addressed at the time. These Bible studies are a chance to explore the passage in more depth and consider how it affects our day to day lives.
There is no need to book - and don't feel you have to be there every week; come when you can!
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Podcast
Thursday - once a fortnight 8.00pm-9.00pm at GBC
Start date to be confirmed
Led by Geoff Collett
Booking required
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Do you enjoy listening to podcasts about topical subjects affecting our society through the lens of our Christian faith? If so, then you might like to meet up with a group of others to discuss the views expressed and further explore how what you have heard might affect our daily Christian walk.
The podcast will be available online in advance. Please advise in advance of the discussion group if you plan to come.
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Hymns We Love
Wednesday 2.30pm - 3.45pm at GBC
31 January - 6 March
Led by Carolyn Keats
Booking required
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A 6 week video-based course designed especially for Seniors. Using some of the most well-loved hymns to explore the Christian faith in a gentle and accessible way.
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Alpha
Thursday 7.30pm-9.15pm at GBC
1 February - 21 March
Led by Carolyn Keats
Booking required
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Alpha is a great opportunity to explore some of the big questions of life and the Christian faith in a friendly, open and informal environment. Come for yourself or invite friends, family or neighbours! Each session includes refreshments, a short video and a discussion where you can share your thoughts if you choose. There’s no pressure, and no charge. Everyone will be made very welcome.
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Lent Course
Starts week beginning 19 February for 5 weeks
For Lent we are running a five week course, using film clips and a study book, based around three films: Prince Caspian, The Chronicles of Narnia; The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe, and Shadowlands. The course aims to bring ideas from C.S Lewis's writing to a wider contemporary audience. In doing so it looks at issues of suffering, God's absence, the gift of the present moment, as well as a few ideas less well explored in present day Christianity: heaven, judgement and the force of evil.
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We want to encourage as many people as possible to join in with this Lent Course so we are intending to provide a number of different ways in which to do that. Our Tuesday evening Bible Study and some of our weekly small groups may be using this material. We hope to offer additional groups on different days and times as well. We may be able to run an online group using Zoom. And some may choose to be part of a WhatsApp group to discuss the material. If you would like to join in with one of these groups, let us know what might work for you (days, times, type of 'meeting') and we will see what we can do to create as many opportunities as possible. We will then publicise all the options and ask people to book in. Books will be available to buy from the church office.
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Refresh
Saturday(s) - dates to be confirmed
10.00am-12.30pm (with the option of bringing own lunch, finish 1.30pm)
Led by Vilma Broadhurst, Carolyn Keats and Delia Steer
Booking required
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An opportunity to come aside, rest, meet with God and be refreshed.
Our mornings together will include guided biblical/ theme-based reflections, space to explore and ‘be’, and optional creative activities.
All welcome!
Any questions, please speak to Carolyn Keats, Vilma Broadhurst or Delia Steer.
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Deeper
Sunday 7.00pm at GBC
10 March
Led by Tony Goodwin
No booking required
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Deeper is an opportunity for everyone to gather together for a time of seeking God and being open to the Holy Spirit, in worship, sharing together and ministering to each other, all in an informal and relaxed way.
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