| Helping
others to explore the Christian faith is central to what St Nicolas is
about. We encourage individuals within the church to share the good
news of Jesus through their love, witness and acts of service – both in
the local community and the wider world. We also offer a number of
different activities designed to help those who are exploring faith.
Details are set out here.
COURSES
EXPLORING CHRISTIAN FAITH The Alpha Course is an
opportunity for anyone to explore the Christian Faith. It is relaxed,
non-threatening, low key and fun. There is a meal together at the
beginning of each evening session (coffee at the morning course) which
gives us the opportunity to get to know each other. This is followed by
a talk, looking at such topics as ‘Who is Jesus?’ and ‘Why and how do I
pray?’ After each talk we divide into small groups for discussion.
At
St Nicolas we participate in a town-wide Alpha course in the autumn
(click here for more details)
and run
other courses (such as the 'Start! Course' - click here for
details) at various times during the year. Look out for posters or
leaflets with details of the next course. DAYBREAK
Daybreak is a group for parents and carers with young
children. It is an opportunity for the adults to be stimulated with an
interesting talk, usually secular, but with one or two Christian based
talks or activities (e.g. an Easter Praise service) each term. A crèche
is provided. The purpose is to provide a service for parents as well as
bridge-building between the church and community. Daybreak is a vibrant
and growing group and has been a good introduction to the church for
many. Click here for more details. GUEST
EVENTS Although
we seek to be aware of the needs of those who are not yet Christians in
all our services, from time to time we arrange services and events that
are particularly geared to those who are exploring Christianity.
LOST FOR WORDS At
the heart of Lost for
Words is a conviction that the most important
people in evangelism are ordinary people like you and me, people who
often feel "lost for words" when invited to share something about their
faith. Yet experience shows that few of these struggles are unique, and
with a little help people find their voice. Lost
for Words is a six week course written by CPAS and held at
St Nicolas from time to time. We long for more people to discover
and respond to the good news of Jesus. Come along to the next course
and help to make this happen. SHOEMAKERS
This
is a Christian coffee shop and book shop in the centre of
town. It has been set up and is run by members of a number of
churches in the Newbury area, including St Nicolas. It provides
literature for those seeking to find out more about the Christian faith
as well as resources for Christians to help build up their knowledge
and understanding of the faith. It's also a great place
for people to
meet and chat over high quality coffee/tea and cake. Click here
for more details. MEN'S AND WOMEN'S BREAKFASTS
These
are arranged once a term. The aim is to invite a friend, enjoy a good
breakfast and listen to a talk which is designed to inspire those
attending to think more about the Christian Faith. OTHER
ACTIVITIES Other
events are held from time to time, including concerts with an emphasis
on the Christian message, meals with speakers, barbecues and other
activities.
During the Spring Festival we are often able to invite artists with a
specifically Christian outlook to perform at St Nicolas as a part of
the festival programme. MISSION BEYOND THE PARISH
St
Nicolas supports local, national and international missionary activity
and aims to devote at least 10% of its income to such activities. We
support individuals who go out from our church on short term campaigns
and long term mission, as well as other well-known organisations such
as Latin Link, the Overseas Missionary Fellowship and the Church
Mission Society. If
you have any questions about these aspects of the church's work please
contact the church office. |