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<title>Archive of previous Youth/young people activities</title>
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<pubDate>Tue, 18 Jun 2024 12:12:17 +0100</pubDate>
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<title>The Bible Course</title>
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<pubDate>Tue, 24 Oct 2023 16:00:59 +0100</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[<h4 style="text-align: center;"><strong>++++ The last session of this course was held on Thursday 1 February 2024.&nbsp; Further courses may be held in 2026 if there is demand. Please contact Paul Dempsey (details below)++++</strong></h4>
<h4 style="text-align: left;"><strong><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="/_data/site/43/news/446/Flyerforwebimage.jpg" /></strong></h4>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>]]></description>
<link>https://www.stmaryspurton.org.uk:443/446/The-Bible-Course</link>
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<title>Young People Growing in Faith</title>
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<pubDate>Sun, 03 Oct 2021 18:47:19 +0100</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[See details of the activities we seek to provide for young people]]></description>
<link>https://www.stmaryspurton.org.uk:443/359/Young-People-Growing-in-Faith</link>
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<title>Christianity Explored</title>
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<pubDate>Fri, 27 Aug 2021 14:21:41 +0100</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[<p><strong><img src="/_data/site/43/pg/353/celogo_focused.jpg" width="300" /></strong></p>
<h4>Your Invitation to Come and See .....</h4>
<p>&nbsp;Do you think? ....</p>
<ul>
<li>Christians are weird -&nbsp;<em style="background-color: transparent;">I don&rsquo;t have anything in common with them.</em></li>
<li>Christianity is irrelevant -&nbsp;<em style="background-color: transparent;">It&rsquo;s of no practical use to my life.</em></li>
<li>Christianity is untrue -&nbsp;<em style="background-color: transparent;">Why should there be only one way to heaven, and why should it have anything to do with Jesus?</em></li>
</ul>
<p>Overcoming these objections is a gradual process, and it may be years before some people agree to explore what Christianity truly is.&nbsp; However, in the world in which we live can we really leave everything to chance, keep putting non-pressing matters off till later?</p>
<p>Have you ever wondered if this is it, four score years and 10, or more?&nbsp; ... that there is no more after this life?&nbsp; .... that there may just be a designer of this wonderful universe in which we live, and that designer may have made a better design?&nbsp;</p>
<h4>The Christianity Explored course is an opportunity to engage personally with the claims of Jesus Christ, the person at the very heart of Christianity.</h4>
<p>The course is for people who may think that Christians are weird&nbsp; &nbsp;... people who are unlikely to come anywhere near a church&nbsp; .... and also for Christians who want to brush up on their faith.</p>
<h4>How is the course delivered?</h4>
<p>We can offer&nbsp; this event:</p>
<ul>
<li>In the newly refurbished St Mary's Church building - where you can make a quick or quiet exit if you have heard enough!,</li>
<li>In the comfort of someone&rsquo;s home - where the surroundings might be less intimidating and you might even get fed, or</li>
<li>Online using video conferencing software, which is easy to use on a smart phone , tablet, or computer.</li>
</ul>
<p>The course comprises seven weekly sessions of about two hours each and then one session over a full day. Wherever possible we tailor the course dates to suit the course attendees.</p>
<h4>Next Steps</h4>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>We are not advertising this course currently but if you would like to express an interest then please telephone 07966 564963&nbsp; or 07796 378136 when one of the leaders can give you more information and register your interest.</strong></span></p>
<p>&nbsp;There are also courses all over England so if ours does not suit you then you may join another.&nbsp; Why not visit the <a href="https://www.ceministries.org/Groups/274940/Home/New_Design/Home/Leaders_Area/Christianity_Explored/Christianity_Explored.aspx">Christianity Explored website</a>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;You can also watch this <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dog2ZWMzAIg">short introductory video:</a></p>
<h4>&nbsp;You would be made very welcome to any course.</h4>
<p>&nbsp;</p>]]></description>
<link>https://www.stmaryspurton.org.uk:443/353/Christianity-Explored</link>
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<title>Adults Growing in Faith</title>
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<pubDate>Sun, 23 May 2021 16:20:10 +0100</pubDate>
<description><![CDATA[<h4>Bible study groups</h4>
<p>Small groups, meeting on a regular basis to study the bible, are a great way to grow in faith and understanding. Small groups give everyone the opportunity to participate in discussion and to listen to and support one another on their journey in faith. Participation and engagement are the primary aims. Topics for study are decided by the group and the leader is there to help facilitate the group and build the trust and confidence.</p>
<p>Current studies include:</p>
<p><a href="/446/The-Bible-Course">The Bible Course</a></p>
<p><a href="/449/Advent-course-2023---Looking-and-Longing">Advent Course - Looking and Longing</a>&nbsp;- This is now complete - click to read news</p>
<p><a href="/443/Monday-Afternoon-Bible-Group">Monday afternoon group</a></p>
<p><a href="/455/Dig-Deeper">Dig Deeper</a></p>
<h4>Prayer groups</h4>
<p><em>&rsquo;Be joyful always; pray constantly; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God&rsquo;s will for you in Christ Jesus.&rsquo; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18.</em></p>
<p>Christians meeting and praying at locations around Purton will feature as &lsquo;Glows&rsquo; in the dark as God looks down on his world.&nbsp; Meeting and praying together as God&rsquo;s family can bond us to God and one another.</p>
<p>Current groups include:</p>
<p><a href="/329/Wednesday-Lady-Chapel-Prayer-Group">Wednesday Lady Chapel prayer group</a></p>
<p><a href="/450/Monday-Morning-prayer-on-Zoom">Monday Morning prayer group on Zoom</a></p>
<h4>Preparation for baptism, marriage and confirmation&nbsp;</h4>
<p>Getting baptised or married are important milestones in people&rsquo;s lives that provide key opportunities for us to witness to our faith and possibly help others to encounter Jesus Christ for the first time. In preparation for confirmation we can walk alongside those who are confirming their commitment in Christ.</p>
<h4>Getting Involved</h4>
<h5>Join a bible study group!</h5>
<p>No previous experience of bible study is needed. What is important that you are seeking to grow in spiritual maturity, that you are open to learn more about the Christian faith through studying God&rsquo;s word and that you want to take this journey in fellowship with others in the church family.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Groups also need <strong>leaders </strong>so if you feel you may be able to lead, then why not enquire about what is involved.&nbsp;</p>
<h5>Join an existing prayer group or set up your own!&nbsp;</h5>
<p>We need groups to suit all life circumstances, be it early morning, after the school run or later in the day.&nbsp; In addition, why not volunteer to join a rota and be available for prayer with anyone seeking prayer at the end of our services.</p>
<p>If you are interested in helping people prepare for key life commitments like<strong> baptism, marriage or confirmation</strong> please do get in contact.</p>
<div><strong>For more information please contact:</strong></div>
<div>Bible Study Groups:<em>&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="/114/Ian-Tweedie-Smith">Ian Tweedie- Smith</a>, <a href="/132/Rosie-Harris-Parish-Administrator">Rosie Harris</a></em></div>
<div>Prayer Groups:<em>&nbsp;</em><em><a href="/132/Rosie-Harris-Parish-Administrator">Rosie Harris</a>, <a href="/113/Paul-Dempsey">Paul Dempsey</a></em></div>
<div>Preparation for Baptism:<em>&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="/123/Celia-Tweedie-Smith">Celia Tweedie-Smith</a>&nbsp;</em></div>
<div>Preparation for Marriage and Confirmation:<em>&nbsp;</em><em><a href="/114/Ian-Tweedie-Smith">Ian Tweedie- Smith</a> or&nbsp;</em><em><a href="/133/Judith-Wells">Judith Wells</a>&nbsp;</em></div>]]></description>
<link>https://www.stmaryspurton.org.uk:443/328/Adults-Growing-in-Faith</link>
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