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Dear Guest,
There’s a line in ‘Jesus Christ, Superstar’ which asks, “Why’d you choose such a backward time and such a strange land?” The narrator then goes on to suggest that God should have come today and engaged our mass communication.
Did God miss a trick?
The Old Testament may feel like a book about strange times, but those times were far from backward. The Old Testament story took place at a time of great and colourful empires, timeless poetry, and world-changing new technology. In and through those things, it is a story of ordinary people doing their best to serve God in the mess and muddle of human life.
This week, offers two opportunities to explore the wonders of the Old Testament, along with the usual wide variety of courses and events on offer.
Best wishes,
The Equip Hub Team
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Life and Times of the Old Testament
The Bible picture books of our childhood commonly showed the Old Testament being populated by rather scruffy people wearing a variation of Arab dress. In reality, however, they were far more stylishly and colourfully clothed. If you don’t imagine Abraham wearing a colourful and tight-fitting tunic, a tall hat and chunky gold earrings – this evening is for you.
Rob Harrison will introduce you to historical and archaeological images that will bring your mental image of the Old Testament to life.
Starting on Tuesday 3rd June, 7:30pm – 9pm, on Zoom. If you are not able to join any of the Zoom sessions live on the Tuesday evenings, you can catch up or follow the whole course through a recording of the Zoom session which will be sent later each week.
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Using places and spaces in worship
This session will explore ways in which the physical space in which worship takes place influence’s people’s experience and engagement. As well physical space, we will also consider related factors such as sound, lighting and warmth.
This session will be led by Rob Harrison.
Wednesday 25th June, 7pm – 9pm, The Church of the Holy Ascension, Mappleborough Green.
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Called: Mission, Ministry & Me
This course is open to all. It provides a space to think together about what it means to be called by God, to take our place in the mission of God, and to give opportunity to explore both lay and ordained Christian vocation. It will include teaching, discussion, guest speakers and some time for reflection and prayer. We hope it will be enjoyable, encouraging and helpful to you in identifying your next step, whatever that may be.
Saturday 12th July, 10am to 4pm on Zoom
Led by Revd Mark Norris
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Conflict Transformation Group
The Conflict Transformation Group (CTG) is a dedicated team of trained lay and clergy volunteers in the Diocese of Coventry. Supported by Place for Hope, a national charity with a track record of working through conflict with churches, the CTG has been set up to help parishes and communities respond to conflict in healthy, constructive ways.
Whether you’re facing a sensitive transition, interpersonal tension, or community-wide change, CTG offers:
- Facilitated conversations and mediation
- Confidential 1-to-1 coaching
- Signposting to training and other resources
If you’re unsure whether CTG support is right for your situation or would like to talk through how we might help, contact Emma Crick de Boom for a confidential conversation. Get in touch: Emma.CrickdeBoom@Coventry.Anglican.org or click the button below to find out more.
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Upcoming Courses & Events
Click the titles of any of the below courses and events to read more about it.
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The Book of Psalms has held a very special place in the worship and faith of godly people for much longer than the Christian church has existed. In this session, Jon Taylor will explore some of the deep and rich content to be found there, will open up fresh perspectives and seek to enhance your continued engagement with some of the most moving and profound poetry ever written.
This session will be led by Jon Taylor and is for Clergy and Lay Leaders.
Thursday 5th June, 2pm – 4:30pm, All Saints’, Allesley.
We will explore why we all make assumptions and how our unconscious biases affect our actions. We will consider how we can become more conscious of our personal collection of biases and how we can be more aware of other people’s unconsidered assumptions.
The aim of this session is to get us thinking and reflecting on ourselves, our churches and the communities we are a part of.
This session will be led by Anna Naish and Neil Masih.
Thursday 12th June, 7pm – 9:30pm, St Paul’s Church, Stockingford, Nuneaton.
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Addiction comes in many forms, and affects people from all sections of society, including church members and church leaders. In this session, Maria Laxton (the Diocesan Counsellor) will give an overview of addiction, what it is and how it works. She will give practical guidance in how to engage appropriately and helpfully with people who live with addiction.
For Clergy and Lay Leaders.
Tuesday 24th June, 2pm – 4:30pm at Heathcote Parish Church
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Preaching is all about communicating. This session will explore fundamental techniques and principles of good communication that can make sermons more engaging and more effective. This is relevant both to people new to preaching and those who are looking for a refresher or fresh insight for their preaching.
This session will be led by Rob Harrison.
Wednesday 2nd July, 7pm-9pm, St Thomas Church, Keresley & Coundon.
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This session will help you think about how you plan, shape and lead funeral services. It will cover the practicalities you need to know as well as important conversations around how you include the family, tailor a service to the needs of the community and how to include God in a helpful way. There will also be space to consider cremations and the burial of ashes..
This session will be led by Anne Richards and Jo King.
Wednesday 2nd July, 7pm – 9pm, St John the Evangelist, Kenilworth.
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Many ministries involve a team (or would be made easier with a team). This session will explore:
• The culture of a good team (this might be a pastoral team, refreshments team, children’s team, PCC etc etc)
• How we can expand and invite people into teams in helpful ways.
• How we can foster support if there is a lone person in a role.
This course will be led by Anna Naish and Lou Peet.
Monday 7th July, 7pm – 9pm, St. Margaret’s Church, Wolston.
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In this session James Henney, the Diocese of Coventry Growing Faith Enabler, will explore the principles that underpin the Growing Faith ethos of the Church of England. There will be opportunity to discuss why these principles are important to a church’s health and growth, and to consider practical ways that we can strengthen and deepen our engagement with children, young people and their families.
For Clergy and Lay Leaders.
Wednesday 16th July, 2pm – 4:30pm, St Thomas Church, Keresley & Coundon.
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Boost your knowledge about climate crisis and find out how you can help to care for God’s creation. Be inspired and informed as we work together to reach net zero carbon. Join in via an excellent new course created by the Church of England’s Environment Programme team.
Multiple sessions available.
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All of our upcoming courses and events can been seen on our calendar.
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Worshipping God |
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Making new disciples |
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Transforming communities |
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Worshipping God |
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Making new disciples |
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Transforming communities |
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