Growing in faith
Jesus talked about faith being like a mustard seed that gradually grew. In our benefice we often talk about the journey of faith and know that faith will look and feel different over time.
We also know that we can do things to help us grow in faith – like learning how to approach reading the Bible or what prayer looks like. We also know that it’s good to meet with others and learn from each other and from God together.
Over the course of each year, we put on a number of small groups to help us to grow in faith together. Each course builds on the previous one as we learn more about being followers of Jesus.
Alpha Courses
Alpha is a series of group conversations that freely explore the basics of the Christian faith in an open, friendly environment. Everyone’s welcome.
Alpha brings together people from all walks of life who are curious about faith. Each session starts with some time to eat, relax and get to know your group. There are 11 sessions in all.
Each session covers a different topic of faith, either in a short talk or video and unpack the basics of Christianity, addressing questions such as Who is Jesus? How can we have faith? and How does God guide us?
Alpha gives you a chance to share your thoughts and discuss it in your small groups. It’s an open and welcoming environment, no matter what your opinion. There’s no pressure to say anything, but the floor is yours if you want to.
We aim to run an Alpha group each year, usually starting in January. For more information contact Mike Strathdee or talk to Rev. Sharon.
Prayer
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
To pray is to make our hearts ready to experience the love of God in Jesus Christ through the power of the Holy Spirit.
Praying regularly will help us to develop a spiritual rhythm. A discipline of prayer changes the way that we think about our lives, because it creates new habits of heart and mind.
Prayer opens us more deeply to the transforming grace of God. We enter into God’s presence, allowing the Holy Spirit to pray in us.
We publish a monthly prayer diary, with daily suggestions for prayers, for those in our benefice and beyond. Contact our ministry team if you would like to receive a copy by email.
We recommend the following apps to support your prayer life. These can be found at Google Play or the Apple App Store.
Try the official daily prayer app for the church of England.
Pray as you go offers a short bible reading and reflection each day.
Lectio 365 offers resources for daily morning and evening prayer.
Home Groups
Over the course of each year, we run a number of small groups, hosted in homes around our benefice.
They provide an opportunity to study the bible together or explore different aspects of Christian life and faith.
Everyone is welcome.
For more information contact Rev. Sharon.
Marshfield Benefice 