The Geelong City Parish, UCA

Activities and Programs Term 1, 2008

Wed 6 Feb, Ash Wednesday Retreat
10am – 3pm, led by Paul Stephens location: Wesley chapel no charge
Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent, the period of 40 days leading up to Easter. This period is seen by Christians as a time to reflect alongside Jesus’ 40 days in the wilderness, a time of abstinence and stillness leading up to the events of Jesus’ betrayal, death, and resurrection. Ash Wednesday is a day to remember the root causes of our pain and suffering, to acknowledge our sin and to move forward with Jesus.
“Lent can be a time for reducing some of the chronic over-stimulation which is so much a part of modern living; a time when we protect ourselves a little more from the daily bombardment of images and stimuli, the pressures which keep us trapped on the surface.” Richard Chartres, Bishop of London, 1999.
This is a time to reflect on the meaning of ‘wilderness time’ in our busy, consumption-driven society.

Fri 8 Feb, Film Night
7:30pm, led by Ross Pearce and Bevianne Fitch at Wesley
(exact location depends on size of group)
An initiative of two film fans, the aim is to enjoy watching a film and then share in a robust discussion about the issues raised. At time of printing, the title for the inaugural film was not decided. Possibilities include (but are not limited to) Bruce Almighty, Chronicles of Narnia, Little Miss Sunshine, Life of Brian, Travelling North, Shadowlands… Join our email list via wesleycentre@primus.com.au to find out what eventuates – if there is a good response to the first film night, the aim is to show a film once a term.

Wed 20 Feb, Introduction to Meditation (5 weeks)
11:00am or 7pm, led by Bevianne Fitch Cost: $35
In this basic five-week series, simple relaxation and meditation techniques are introduced and practiced. Any of these techniques can be used alone or as elements of extended practices. Prospective participants are asked to discuss their experience and expectations with the facilitator (via 5229 0719) before they commence. Following completion of the 5 week course, participants are invited to join the ongoing weekly group on Wednesdays in term time at 10 am or 6pm for half an hour. The cost for the ongoing practice is $30 – registrations through the facilitator.

Wed 20 Feb, Book Group: Prayer: Does it make any difference? By Philip Yancey 11:30am – 1pm, for 4 weeks led by Paul Stephens location: Wesley Centre Cost: $5 This is the latest book from the author of What is so Amazing about grace? and Soul Survivor. It is already a best-seller. Philip Yancey, in his honest, straightforward and positive way, explores basic questions about prayer; “Is God listening? … Why does God sometimes seem close and sometimes faraway? Does prayer change God or change me?” He says he seeks to write about prayer “…as a pilgrim and not an expert.” Why not make attending the book group part of your 2008 Lenten discipline?

Thurs 28 Feb, Marriage Preparation 7:30 - 9:00pm, led by Paul Stephens and Meg Wardlaw location: Wesley Church This course is ideal for couples planning to marry in the next year or so. Join others to explore commonly experienced issues in a humorous and supportive way. Cost: $50 per couple (cost included in wedding fee for couples marrying at Geelong City Parish)

Wed 19 Mar, God Talk
Evening: prob 7pm-9pm, led by Paul Stephens Location to be decided – possibly a local cafe.
Do you want to talk with others about questions of meaning and purpose in life, in a relaxed and open environment? Then this could be for you. Over the last year the book shelves have been inundated with publications by the likes of Richard Dawkins and Christopher Hitchens triumphantly proclaiming the merits of atheism. Do their arguments hold up? What is the case for God? And does God care about such human squabbles anyway? In Holy Week taking God seriously doesn’t seem a bad idea – so why not come along?

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Activities and Programs Term 2, 2008

Wed 9 Apr, Introduction to Meditation (5 weeks)
11:00am or 7pm, led by Bevianne Fitch Location: Wesley chapel Cost: $35
In this basic five-week series, simple relaxation and meditation techniques are introduced and practiced. Any of these techniques can be used alone or as elements of extended practices. Prospective participants are asked to discuss their experience and expectations with the facilitator (via 5229 0719) before they commence.

Thurs 8 May, Marriage Preparation 7:30 - 9:00pm, led by Paul Stephens and Meg Wardlaw Location: Wesley Church This course is ideal for couples planning to marry in the next year or so. Join others to explore commonly experienced issues in a humorous and supportive way. Cost: $50 per couple (cost included in wedding fee for couples marrying at Geelong City Parish)

Wed 21 May, God Talk
Evening: prob 7-9pm, led by Paul Stephens Location to be decided – possibly a local café
Do you want to talk with others about questions of meaning and purpose in life, in a relaxed and open environment? Then this could be for you. Join our email bulletin list and receive updates about where and when this conversation will happen.

Tues 10 Jun, Uphold One Another in Prayer
10am-3pm, led by Joan Wright Howie location: Wesley Church Cost: $10
An invitation across the new Presbytery to gather for a quiet day for prayer and renewal as we explore how to ‘Uphold One Another in Prayer’. Prayer does not always come easily, but prayer is born as our hearts respond to a longing for the spiritual, for a relationship with the Creator. The desire in God for relationship with us stirs in us a desire for a relationship with God. This workshop is based on a new resource from the Uniting Church Centre for Theology and Ministry, which explores how to develop this relationship.

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