After a long investigation, we have decided on the 2024 York Course “The Gift of Christ” written by Olivia Amartey, of the Elim Pentecostal Church and based on a discussion between her and two other people from different churches. This is a simple course and is quite different from other York Courses. We chose it because it is 5 sessions and, though there is some overlap in subject matter with the Talking Jesus course last year, its approach is quite different and I really think that it will give rise to some really interesting discussions.
The course comprises a small book containing the course material including a transcript of the discussion on which the material is based. Each group will be able to access the video of the discussion, if they want to. CTOD will buy all the course material and distribute it to each group.
Each group will need a time and location. The main person is the “Group Convenor” responsible for organising the location, whether it be in their house or in a room elsewhere (e.g. a church room). If groups want, wholly or partially to be organised as virtual using Zoom, Teams or some other system, the convenor will be responsible for setting the system up. Convenors also need to be able to access equipment needed for the course (e.g. that needed to show the videos). Each group will also need a “leader”. This may be a single person covering all the sessions or a different person for each session. The leader will need to work out the contents of the session, to look at what equipment is needed, to look at the timetable for the session ensuring that group members have a reasonable time for discussion and, on the day, to manage the discussion to allow everyone, who wants to, has time to join in. Privacy is particularly important in this regard.
Lent courses will start from w/c 18th February. We expect to have a service on Palm Sunday 24th March to celebrate what we have learned from the course. We may have a training afternoon for convenors and leaders if that is asked for. We shan’t be wanting a contribution for course members but if people would wish to make a donation to our charity for the year, this would be a very nice gesture.
Should you wish to sign up for a Lent Course either do so through the sign-up form in your church or on the form here.