The Rectory

Dear Friends,
I believe in… Well, what do we believe in? According to surveys, the vast majority of people in this country believe in God, and most would describe themselves as Christians (the Jedi knights on the census were only a very small minority…). But who do we believe God is? What sort of God do we have? And where do we get our ideas about God from?

If you're already thinking about some of these questions, or if you'd like to start thinking about them, there are various things going on in the group to help. If you're just beginning to think about God, life, faith, the universe and everything, or if it's been a while since you did any exploring, there will be confirmation groups starting in a few weeks. They're not just for people who want to be baptized or confirmed (though of course anyone who want s to can use them as preparation) - they're for anybody who would like to think about what they believe with a group of people, and they are generally good fun as well as interesting and educational (what more can you ask!). There will definitely be two groups, one for adults and one for school children (year 5 upwards) , and possibly a third for teenagers and young adults- see the notice in this magazine for further information.

For anyone who’s already beyond that stage, and would like to think things through in more depth, the Explore group meets on Wednesday mornings – at the moment, we’re exploring the Old Testament. We have some extremely wide-ranging discussions, but even when we veer well off track it’s always interesting – ask me for details.

Perhaps you’d like a more formal study course - if so, there is a two-year course organised by the diocese – we can run one in this group of parishes if we have enough people, but we’re also looking at the possibility of setting up a deanery group, so do let me know if you’d be interested in that. And of course, there is always training for those ready to explore licensed or ordained ministry – again, if you think that might be for you, please come and talk to me.

If you're not ready to join a group, or haven't time, you don’t need to feel left out - you can still do some exploring on your own. The Bible's a good place to start - try reading through a gospel (Mark is the shortest!) and seeing what picture of God and of Jesus you find there. And, of course, you can always come to church, and even listen to the sermon - details of services are on the centre pages of this magazine.

See you there!

Yours in Christ, Carolyn Kennedy

CONFIRMATION CLASSES – STARTING NEXT MONTH

Younger…If you're year 5 or above and you'd like to think about confirmation, this is for you. At confirmation, you make for yourself the promises your parents and godparents made for you at your christening – or, if you haven’t been christened, you make your own promises, and are baptised and confirmed at the same service.. At the class we'll think about what those promises mean, and what we need to know to live as Christians. There will be games, quizzes, things to make, things to do, and lots to talk about. At the end of the course, you decide whether you're ready to be confirmed.

Older… If your school days are behind you, there's a group for adults, too, of any age - it's never too late to think about faith. Want to work out what you believe - if you believe - what it might mean to be part of a Christian church? Why not come along to a group exploring faith as part of the Church of England. Whether you're a regular churchgoer, thinking about taking the plunge, or just want to find out a bit more, this group is for you.

In between… If you are a teenager or a young adult, we’re hoping to have a group just for you this year. What we explore will be very similar to the other classes, but you’ll be able to ask your questions and think about faith with others of the same age group. You don’t have to make any commitment until the class is over but you can be baptised and/or confirmed if you want.

All the groups will be meeting weekly(ish), starting in September – day, time and venue to be decided by the group members. Baptism and/or confirmation will be available for any group members who wish it. If you are interested in confirmation but would have difficulty coming to a regular group (for example, if you work irregular shifts, or if you can’t leave the house) please get in touch - special arrangements can be made.

For further details of any of the groups, or to sign up, please contact the Revd Carolyn Kennedy .

01780 481786 or e-mail rector@uffingtongroup.org.uk