Some say...

"I'm not sure about God, but I want to find out."

"I'm not sure where I belong - I'm searching."

 

We share some personal statements

"God is central to my life and I want people to know that!"

"I have discovered a new purpose and focus for my life which is so much more than I could have believed possible."

"It's not until you take that step of faith that you realise that there is a power for living and loving which is so much bigger than all my feelings."

"It's like having an extended family of everyone who wants the best for you - it's not perfect but then we're all growing together."

"With all life's ups and downs, my faith and friendship in the church has given me a bedrock of stability, even when the going has been really tough."

Prayer God loves us to talk to him, and in prayer, this is what we can do, we are talking to God. We can often look at our lives with a sense of thanks for all the good things in life. Thanking God for everything he has given us is part of prayer. But life isn't always rosey and we may often feel a need to ask for his help - "God help me".

Prayer can also be really hard. It doesn't have to happen in church or when we 'say our prayers' - it could just be sparing a spiritual thought or action for someone in need. Or just pausing to give thanks.

Spirituality At the Parish Away Day there was the opportunity to explore some ways of growing spiritually in addition to attending Sunday services and times of Bible reading.
The Suggestions List is by no means exhaustive but provides some ideas to explore. Don't hesitate to contact any of the Team Ministers if you would like to discuss any of these or others paths to growth in Christian spirituality.

Christianity Christians believe that God made us like him – in his image. At one time God himself came to earth as a real human being called Jesus who was crucified for who he said he was.

The Church The Christian Church is the community of Jesus' followers who attempt to live their lives according to his teaching. Christians express their love for God in worship and in prayer. They express their love for their neighbours by caring for them and helping them to know and experience God's love through Jesus.

Anglicanism There are lots of different 'brands' of Christianity. We are members of the Anglican Church. The basic tenets of being Anglican are:

• We view the Old and New Testaments (the Bible) 'as containing all things necessary for salvation' and as being the basis of the Christian faith.
• We believe the Apostles' Creed and the Nicene Creed which explains how Christians understand God as Father, Son and Holy Spirit, three persons but one God.
• We believe that God's help and grace are available to us through the Sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion.
• We also believe that the other Sacraments of Confirmation, Holy Orders, Reconciliation, Marriage and the Anointing of the sick are means of expressing and receiving God's love.

Making sense of the Bible
Click on WordLive to enter into Scripture Union's WordLive site, a new online experience that puts the Bible at your fingertips. It's flexible, interactive and completely free. WordLive's range of creative approaches helps you meet God through the Bible and prayer. Watch a video, listen to a podcast, dig deeper into further study or dip into creative prayer and meditation.

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BIBLE READING FELLOWSHIP I have some spare BRF notes - if you've started reading the Bible and would appreciate some explanatory notes (an inspirational way to spend the first 5 minutes of every day!) do contact me. Wo Hill or Tel: 01275-372104