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September… new schools; new uniforms; new sports kits - new labels to be sewn (or glued) on. Even if the name remains the same, it is the external labels which change: Nursery, Primary, Secondary and then perhaps 6th Form and University. And then what - do we ever stop learning and maturing?
September… new schools; new uniforms; new sports kits - new labels to be sewn (or glued) on. Even if the name remains the same, it is the external labels which change: Nursery, Primary, Secondary and then perhaps 6th Form and University. And then what - do we ever stop learning and maturing?
As a curate, I’m in a recognised training role. I need to provide evidence towards 46
learning outcomes during my 3+ years here.
This follows the three years at theological college, but that will not
be the end of my study - all Anglican clergy are involved in regular reviews
and “Continuing Ministerial Development”.
Indeed, during our ordination we are asked, “Will you be diligent in
prayer, in reading Holy Scripture, and in all studies that will deepen your
faith and fit you to bear witness to the truth of the gospel?” We answer “By the help of God, I will”. As someone who is not naturally ‘bookish’, it
is reassuring to know that God helps me – indeed, his mission is my motivation.
Such promises ought not to be limited to the clergy. I would hope that all Christians would want
to deepen their faith so that we may witness to the truth of the gospel. There are many ways to do this, including:
1)
For those who are relatively new to the faith,
the Alpha Course provides a safe environment to explore the questions of life
and some of the answers that Christianity provides. We will be hosting a small group this autumn.
2)
For the more experienced, Cursillo provides “a
short course in Christian Living” during a residential weekend at Douai Abbey
and a method to continue in a life of prayer, study and action. I would describe this as a course for the
heart as much as the head. See www.oxfordcursillo.co.uk for more
information, including the next weekend from the evening of Thurs 30th
October to Sunday 2nd November.
3)
We have a wide variety of house groups providing
fellowship, support, learning, prayer and deepening faith. I would encourage all church members to join
an existing group or add your name to a waiting list for a new group.
If you would like to discuss where you are on your spiritual
journey and what your next step might be, then I’d love to help. But whatever you do, don’t stop learning!
“Do not conform to the pattern of
this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be
able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect
will.” (Romans 12:2)
Lord God,
open our minds to the light of
your truth,
that mystery may unfold before
us,
that knowledge may
shine around us
and that understanding may grow
within us
in Jesus Christ our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever.
(Collect for Education - the
Church in Wales)
