HEALTHY THINGS GROW
Growing in your relationship with Jesus means getting to know him better. The Christian faith is, if anything, a journey of discovery. A discovery of who God is, who we are and how we can have a relationship with God that we were designed to have. Faith is not a one-time discovery, but a lifetime of experience and understanding.
As well as attending services on Sunday to worship, in order to grow in our relationship with God, we should be building time in our lives to engage in personal discipleship. Thus growing in our knowledge of Jesus by reading our Bibles, through prayer, by attending Bible studies, theological seminars, retreats, and Christian courses that help you get through the bumps and bruises of life.
Below you can find links to recommended events to help you on your journey.
ADULT LEARNING
St Paul’s Cathedral’s Adult Learning Department runs a programme of events throughout the year exploring Christian life, ethics and spirituality with some of the liveliest contemporary theologians at work today.
To keep up to date with what’s coming up click here https://www.stpauls.co.uk/learning-faith/adult-learning
London Institute for Contemporary Christianity
The London Institute for Contemporary Christianity has a fantastic focus on how we can be better Christians on what it calls our 'frontlines', whether that's the school gate, social or sports club, workplace, college, toddler group or home. Have a look at their website: www.licc.org.uk to see the range of things they offer - talks, books, Bible study resources, regular blogs and a free 'Word for the Week' that you can sign up to.
http://www.licc.org.uk/
CONFERENCES
HTB Leadership Conference
Whatever your work, whatever your position, this conference will help equip you as a Christian in your sphere of influence.
Hosted by Nicky & Pippa Gumbel, leaders of HTB Church and pioneers of Alpha, the Leadership Conference invites you to two days of equipping, ministry and worship.
https://www.htb.org/all-events/lc19
New Wine
New Wine is a movement of churches working together to change the nation through a network of church leaders, National Gatherings, training events and resources. They facilitate training days in local churches supporting ministries such as Healing, Prophecy, Kids’ Work, Youth Work, Prayer, Worship and Parenting. Click on the link below to see what is coming up next:
https://www.new-wine.org/events
Spring Harvest
Spring Harvest is a teaching and worship event for everybody. it's a unique break for all the family: holiday, festival, conference and an encounter with God.
http://www.springharvest.org/
RETREATS
Many people find it helpful and refreshing to spend an occasional day in silence, reading, thinking and praying. Going to a different place can add to the value of these times as it helps us avoid the usual distractions.
One location that's easy to get to is St Katharine's House, in Limehouse. it was founded in 1147 and ever since has been a centre for Christian worship and hospitality. They offer facilities for personal quiet days one Monday a month, and also arrange led reflection days periodically. You can find more information here: http://www.rfsk.org.uk/retreat.
Kent is not too far from London where you can visit The Living Well at Nonnington, near Canterbury. The Living Well is the Canterbury Diocesan Centre for Healing and Wholeness. It is a non-residential centre. For more information click here http://the-living-well.org.uk/
Or if you fancy a trip to the South Coast then Crowhurst Christian Healing Centre is a wonderful place to have a retreat. The accommodation and food are excellent, and the team there are great. The beauty, peace and comfort of this place create an ideal setting in which to draw close to God and experience his love. Guests can stay for a few days or up to two weeks for rest, retreat, healing prayer and ministry. There is a daily programme, twice weekly healing services, and many organised full week or weekend events. The train to Crowhurst from Charing Cross runs straight to Crowhurst station which is a one minute walk from the Healing Centre. To find out more and book some time out with God, click on this link: http://www.crowhursthealing.co.uk/index.php
For details of other places who hold retreats, guided or just quiet time have a look at the Retreat Association's website
http://www.retreats.org.uk