As the new school year begins, so too does the next chapter of our diocesan Journey in Faith (JiF) course.
If you are seeking to grow in your knowledge of the Christian Faith, deepen your relationship with God and explore how to live out your faith in your whole life, then JiF is a great place to start.
The course is delivered over three terms and looks at:
Exploring Faith (an opportunity to consider our own faith journeys and an introduction to Theological Reflection.)
God’s Call and Our Response (including an introduction to the Old Testament.)
Development of the Church (an introduction to the New Testament and Church Doctrine – what we say we believe.)
Running through all three terms are evenings entitled Ministry, Mission and Vocation, with time to consider how we discern our gifts, hear God’s call and make our response to God.
Members of the JiF group in East Gosgote recently gathered for their final session, sharing a meal together and reflecting on their journeys with course leader, Revd Ros Harper.
Talking about their year and sharing something of the group’s growth and depth of discipleship, Revd Ros said: “It has been a real joy and a privilege to be a tutor on the course this year. I was keen to be involved as the JiF course was the start of my own vocational journey.
“The East Goscote JiF were a lively and friendly group who quickly formed a strong sense of community. It has been wonderful to see how they supported and encouraged each other on their journey and they have made friendships which will last well beyond their year together.
“They have been the most wonderful group to work with full of enthusiasm and deep spiritual insights as well as not being afraid to ask challenging questions!”
A real highlight for East Gosgote JiF was at the end of the first time, during Advent, when the group led worship together and reflected on their journey so far.
“It was a moving service which showed just how much God was working in their lives,” explained Revd Ros. “It has been a real privilege to walk alongside them on this journey, to see their faith grow and deepen as they begin to explore where God might be calling them.”
Journey in Faith is a course open to anyone wanting to take the next step in their discipleship.
Sharing her experiences of the JiF course, Jennifer said: “I found the richest insights were realised in the conversations and sharing between JiF participants, and our leaders too. It made us think and it was very stimulating.
“We developed a deeper understanding of the Bible, and each other, and it made us realise we wove and grew many common spiritual threads between us.”
Dave thought JiF was “absolutely fantastic!!” while Peter said: “It’s been a very helpful course for me. Firstly, I have gained a deeper faith. Secondly, I now have clarity on how to enact that faith in discipleship and loving service.
“I would wholeheartedly recommend this course to anyone who is seeking to discern their own way.”
There are many powerful stories to share from these journeys in faith and fellowship.
One participant said: “The pathways exercise was a deep and emotional exercise for me (and others in the group). I found myself tearful in looking back through the variable points in my life that has led me to the foot of the cross and I found the strength and bravery to express that in front of people I hardly knew. Some may have found that impossible or excruciatingly painful to do but through my emotion I found myself letting go of some stuff I was holding on to. Perhaps this was an accident by design, but it was immensely powerful in my journey.”
When asked what they would say to someone thinking about JiF in the future, past participants’ responses included:
“Take the course, no matter how far or little you are into your journey. It can give fresh perspectives and grow friendships.”
“It was of great help to me, struggling in faith. It was also fun, enlightening and interesting.”
“In addition to the spiritual benefit of attending the course, there was also a significant spiritual boost from the interaction with other members of the group. It was great to develop relationships with this new set of Christians, not previously connected to me through my parish, my work or my social circles.”
And: “It’s an exciting way to position oneself for greater service.”
Liz Rawlings, Vocations and Discipleship Enabler, encourages anyone who is considering taking the next steps on their faith journey to make the space to explore this calling.
“Do you have questions, are you curious, and longing to grow more in your faith? The Journey in Faith Course could be just what you are looking for,” she says.
“It’s an opportunity to meet with others, to learn together and share an enriching stage of your journey in faith. The course explores the Old and New Testament, spiritual practices, Christian doctrine and helps us to notice and reflect on where God is at work in us and in the world. It is not an academic course but requires a bit of reading before each interactive weekly session.”
Bookings are now open for courses starting this month.
The course begins with an introductory session on Saturday 13th September, 9.30am – 12.30pm, at St Martins House, Leicester.
Weekly Evening Groups will be held at the following locations from the 1st week of October.
Monday evenings – St Mary’s, Nanpantan
Tuesday evenings – Frisby on the Wreake
Wednesday evenings – Ellistown
Wednesday evenings – Knighton, Leicester
For booking enquiries email Claire.Stapleton@LeicesterCofE.org
If you would like more information before joining, please feel free to contact Liz.Rawlings@LeicesterCofE.org