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Past Groups run in the Circuit

Circuit Retreat

Sat 13th April 2024 at Bethnal Geen

Warm Space

Ran at Bethnal Green November 23 - Easter 24

Advent Series 2023
4 sessions on finding God in everyday life

Lent Course 2023

The course chosen was one written by the Rev Dr Inderjit Bhogal, a former President of the Methodist Conference, entitled Sanctuary: the Hospitality of Host, Guest and Stranger (Published by Churches Together in Britain and Ireland)  Thoughts were largely on immigrants and refugees.

Warm Space

Out of the Lent course in 2022 came the initiative to run a Warm Space from November 22 to Easter 23.

Advent Course 2022

Runs in person and on Zoom.  Attending from home proved more popular and the daytime meetings stopped before the end of the course.  In winter, on cold dark nights, it's good to have use of Virtual Meetings.

Bible Study course from September-November 2022 

The circuitsoffered an opportunity to explore further what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ and how a deeper understanding of the ministry of Jesus, as it is recorded in Mark's Gospel, can be a source of hope in troubling times. The course is called Christianity Explored

What Next?

Following our well-attended Lent series about ‘Life on the Breadline’, it was decided to try and take current poverty issues forward in the life of our churches. Speaking to the Circuit Meeting (end of June), the Rev Cameron Kirkwood – who set up the Lent series – said there had been a very clear sense that the conclusion of the course did not mean that we had now finished with it. “The themes covered in the course are of great importance,” he said. “In both the group discussion and individually, people have spoken about how relevant the course has been to help us think about the current cost of living crisis in light of the Gospel. Whilst we must challenge national and local government about their priorities; as the Church, we must also ask ourselves what our priorities should be if we are to have a preferential option for the poor. A recurring theme that arose in the series was: What does it mean to be the Church?”

A meeting to see how we can move ahead on a number of ideas was held in July. Some realistic ideas were put forward.   Two follow-up meetings in Sept and October have resulted in a modest plan for using our resources. Volunteers will be needed, but tasks will be limited and shared around to keep the load manageable. Starting at the beginning of November 22: Bethnal Green open to all on Fridays. See News for current position.

 LENT COURSE 2022   Life on the Breadline

How should we respond as Christians to the serious financial and social challenges faced by so many people within our communities?

THE COURSE PROVED QUITE CHALLENGING. WE WERE ALL AWARE OF THE PROBLEMS AND HARDLY NEEDED REMINDING OF SOCIAL INJUSTICE, INEQUALITIES OR THE POOR AMONG AND AROUND US.  WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT WAS ANOTHER MATTER. WE WERE LEFT FEELING INADEQUATE AND UNABLE TO RISE TO THE TASKS WE IDENTIFIED.  The course was very well attended.  It led to ideas for other debates that we should be having, and sparked resolutions for action - small steps, but they may lead us on. ...

 

Winter 2021/22

A Methodist Way of Life paused and a series of 'one-off'' Bible Study ran at 7pm on Tuesdays (fortnightly)

Discipleship – the Methodist Way of Life 
We all need help on our shared journey of discipleship from the newest to the most experienced Christian. We explore together the Methodist Way of Life that encourages us to share in our journey of worship, learning and caring, service and evangelism.  

From September - November 2020  (On Zoom)   from January 2021 (still on Zoom!)    temp suspended during Lent.  Still running in July '21and through until summer break

Methodist Way of Life Handbook 
(Download 2meg)

Lectio Divina

Thursdays at 10.15 (on Zoom) with Lucia Banks 

Compass Group Mondays  12.30-13.30

 The Compass course helps you explore and understand what it means to be a Christian within the Methodist Church.  Whether you are a member already, new to the Methodist Church, or simply wanting to understand more about being a Methodist disciple, then these sessions will be really helpful.  We provide a book to help you follow the sessions.
Please contact Revd John Hayes jonhayes2103@gmail.com 07531243327 for more details and for the Zoom link to the course.  May - July '21

cf notes from an earlier course

Learning How to See  Discussion group 4.30pm on Wednesdays  (on Zoom).  (Ran Feb-May 2021)
Formulated by the US Center for Action and Contemplation which states:
"Instead of accusing others on the left or the right, Jesus stood in radical solidarity with the problem itself, hardly ever offering specific answers to the problem. Instead, his solidarity and compassion brought healing"   This course looks at the natural biases we all have which block our understanding of other opinions and points of view.  Knowing ourselves and where we are coming from can help us in being open to other stand-points, and be a great aid to real communication. 

 

Lent 2021  
The circuit ran a series of Zoom Bible study sessions during Lent using the District "Woven" resource.

Four-week circuit Advent Course, “Watching and Waiting"  December 2020

The season of Advent represents a period of watching and waiting in anticipation of the arrival of Christ. During Advent we look back and celebrate the incarnation of the Son of God in the world; whilst also looking forward to his return at the end of time. The course encourages us to walk through the season of Advent to enable us to engage in mission and discipleship as a way of life.  

The meetings have been well-attended.  It's not so hard to attend on a cold evening when you don't have to wait for a bus, or scurry home in the dreary dark afterwards. A warm and friendly gathering - where you can speak or just listen; where you are accepted and valued.  Enjoy the company; maybe think a bit!

Bible study – Reflecting on Revelation with Andrew Brown (on Zoom)

Ran from Sept - November 2020

A study in Matthew – Jesus a Life   
Ran from May-July 2020 on Zoom

 

Exploring Church Membership - Compass  
Ran from Jan-March 2020

 Deacon Terry and Rev'd John Hayes led these sessions, along with invited guest leaders from our Circuit. These sessions help you to explore and understand what it means to be a Christian within the Methodist Church.  Whether you are a member already, new to the Methodist Church, or simply wanting to understand more about being a Methodist disciple, these sessions are really helpful. 
cf notes from an earlier course

Advent Reflections December 2019
Held around the Circuit.
Material for all the Reflections are in a booklet  (pdf file)
Some alternative versions of the Isaiah passages

Journey in June 2019

We looked at how the Bible and Methodism can help us understand each other, and what it means to have good relationships. There were bible studies and reflections in each of our churches at different times during June.

Encounter Course at Bethnal Green Church from June 2019

  Ever wondered what God is calling you to?
  Would you like to have a greater impact as a Christian disciple?
  Unsure of the next steps in your Christian journey?
  Interested in engaging in theological reflection with a group of like-minded individuals?

Lent Course 2019

Lent reflections focus on Challenging Conversations. We used the Bible to help us explore how to live together well as communities of Christians - even though we might not all agree on something.  Study sessions in each church focus on key Bible passages. We reflect on and practise skills to help us have good conversations. We have the opportunity to hear themed preaching in every church in the circuit. 

Advent Groups 2018

We enjoyed the opportunity to read, listen and understand the Bible on Advent themes

 

The summer study course 2018 following Broken was thought-provoking and moving

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We look forward to meeting you

 

 Charity Number 1134888