Reach out into your community

Parenting courses ... and churches

There are many parents who are struggling with the challenges of bringing up their children in today's demanding world.  As churches we can have a significant role to play in coming alongside and giving support.  Many churches run toddler groups or nursery school facilities.  A parenting course is a good way of taking this a step further.  A session on Family Values and Spiritual Development has proved very popular.  Some have commented, 'It was one of the most useful sessions of the course', 'I need to find out more' and 'Can I bring the children on Sunday?'

Where appropriate Liz Ollerton is happy to share her experiences and talk with anyone thinking of leading a course, to give some suggestions and answer questions.  You can contact her either by email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or by phone 02920 752226.  You can also download a leaflet with more details: Parenting courses ... and churches (Word, 207KB).

Using the Bible to inspire children, young people and adults to know God

Scripture Union has developed resources to inspire and equip leaders to enable growth in ministry across their communities.  There are a variety of ways you can begin to build relationships in the community both on school grounds and in your church.  One of SU's major success stories is their Easter and Christmas project developments which happen in the church during term time.  Primary schools are invited to attend these events which include interactive multimedia presentations and activities.  A resource pack has been developed to enable churches to set up a project like this relatively easily.  It includes pretty much everything you need apart from the people to run it!

Want to know more?  Please contact Vicki Brackpool, Team Leader for Wales, on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or you can visit the SU website to see a flavour of what is available as a resource to you.

Table Talk

Table Talk is an innovative enquiry course that helps Christians share their faith with their friends.

This conversational based course explores six big questions through the use of question cards.  The producers have trialed the course with several churches and have been delighted by the response.

The course is pitched at being pre-alpha in content and far more palatable for contemporary culture - it provides opportunity for conversation rather than people being given instruction by an expert, explores how Christianity works rather than just stating that it is true and gives opportunity for people to talk about their life experiences and so makes it more engaging.

What is particularly significant is that to run the course you don't need a teacher or a leader just friends talking with their friends about the issues that matter.  A Welsh language version of the course is in preparation.

Further information about the course can be obtained by visiting http://www.table-talk.org/.