Growing in Faith Programme More Deeply Rooted in God The teaching themes seek to explore the Christian faith in a systematic way. For a long time, I had a nagging fear that I had never really grasped the basics of our faith. It wasn’t until I started Alpha that I realised that I did know this stuff after all! As a result, I found a new confidence in my relationship with God and I was set free to deepen my faith. I hear people saying similar things, many people seem to feel themselves to be decidedly average Christians, rather than “children of God, and heirs of eternal life”. So this year we’re going to be exploring the Christian faith in a way that is ordered, to reassure those who need encouraging, to refresh our faith and to fill in the odd gap on the way. The teaching themes can be explored in range of different ways. The preaching will explore the basics of our faith, while trying to keep it firmly rooted in daily life. However, preaching is only one of a range of tools for learning. The groups for children, young people and adults will have an important role in giving people the chance to discuss and question; to ask the, “So What!?” question. What does that mean for us, at home, at work, in marriage, as a single person...? The Youth Group will be exploring these themes, with the possibility of Confirmation at the end. There will be opportunities to read further—magazine articles and recommended books. There will be some visiting speakers and we’ll try to point out good talks and speakers that are happening around and about. There will be opportunities to explore further, involving chances to use more creative methods—the Parish Weekend at Church, a Quiet day in Lent, “Walk thru the Old Testament”, being the major ones. The Evening Worship and All Age Worship will support and explore the themes in different ways. The broader range of worship, we will enable us to develop our understanding in different ways, quiet reflection, worship, action and creativity to mention a few. Unlocking the Bible is the only exception as it is as part of a wider programme; nonetheless we are aiming that this should contribute to the wider theme of breaking open the bible and making it more accessible.