GIFT - Growing in Faith Together

The GIFT/Education Committee creates and supports opportunities for people of all ages to gain knowledge and nurture in their faith. By linking Christian Study with our worship we are able to discern what God wants us to be, then we can build a framework for action.

St Andrew's Church Brighton offers the following courses:

Confirmation

Confirmation classes for young people and adults. Confirmation provides an opportunity to journey with others, while affirming and strengthening our Christian faith. Arrangements can be made to accommodate those who are interested in Confirmation, but are not baptised.

Confirmation classes of about 8 weeks duration are arranged each year as required and are led by a member of the clergy and a lay team. At the conclusion of the preparation, the Regional Bishop or Archbishop is invited to the Service for Confirmation, Laying on of Hands and prayers for the strengthening of the Holy Spirit in the lives of each of the candidates, in the presence of their families, sponsors and the congregation.
If you would like to explore the possibility of confirmation, please speak to or email The Locum Vicar, Archdeacon Philip Newman at vicar@standrewsbrighton.org.au

Short Course Bible Studies

1. Lenten & Advent Study
Ecumenical Bible Studies (using new material each year) are facilitated during Lent and Advent in conjunction with the Brighton Covenant Churches ... there is a selection of times and venues, duration is approximately 1.5 hours. Twentyfour St Andrew's parishioners participated in the 2011 Lenten Studies. Please check the pew sheets for details 2-3 weeks before Advent commences or email enquiries to office@standrewsbrighton.org.au

2. Other Study Courses
2.1 Bible Study. Bible Study course commenced in the week of 8th May 2011 with a 20 week course of 1 hour sessions on The Old Testament. The Old Testament has now concluded and the study will move to the Gospels of Matthew and John. There has been a growing number attending and all are welcome. The study groups at St Andrew's are held at 10.30am and 2.00pm on Fridays with Barbara Goodey.
Sessions are presented on Thursdays 10.30am, 2.00pm, 6.30pm at Brighleigh Uniting Church,
739 Hawthorn Road, East Brighton, and also on Fridays 10.30am and 2.00pm in the Vestry Room, Parish Office, St Andrew's Church, cnr New and Church Streets, Brighton.
If you would like to join this study group click here  
Co-ordinator: Barbara Goodey, 9519 3431.
2.2 African Method Bible Study. Alternate Sunday evenings after 6.00pm Evensong. Commencing at 7.00pm, a form of Lectio Divina on the weekend's Gospel Reading. This was one of the success stories of a recent Lambeth Conference. Venue: 376 St Kilda Street, Brighton, 2011 starting date to be confirmed in October 2011 , so please register interest with Robert or Jill Timms, telephone
9596 7417.

Cursillo

Cursillo is a Spanish word. It simply means a 'short course', with the idea of a 'short race' - something that takes you forward quickly. The term 'short course' refers particularly to the three-day weekends which are the way you join the Cursillo movement. The purpose of Melbourne Anglican Cursillo is to nourish and equip people so that they may embrace and enjoy the fullness of Christian Life.
The weekend provides an experience of living in a Christian Community supported by prayer, with talks and discussions, worship services and times of reflection. Small groups working, praying, singing, laughing and growing together. There are separate weekends for women and men and there is a men's weekend scheduled for sometime in October 2011. More than seventy St Andrew's parishioners have already attended Cursillo weekends and several weekly home meetings are still thriving in our parish as ongoing fruits of this.
For more information contact the Diocesan website:- www.melbourneanglicancursillo.com or speak with your parish contact David Greenhalgh, telephone 9592 3058.
A St Andrew's Parish Cursillo Reunion event is scheduled for 4.00pm on Saturday 24 September 2011 - for details contact office@standrewsbrighton.org.au
Professor Neville Norman of our parish, has accepted an invitation to be the Witness Speaker at the Cathedral Cursillo Reunion Service (aka Ultreya) on Sunday 13th November 2011.
Another Diocesan Ultrea is planned to be held here at St Andrew's in February 2012.

Other Learning Opportunities nearby

Anglican Spiritual Cafe - St Silas & St Anselm Albert Park, and St George's Malvern both hold regular monthly dinner meetings featuring a guest speaker and lively ensuing spiritual discussion. These meetings are often attended by St Andrew's Parishioners.
For information and enquiries regarding the next Malvern event, please telephone 9822 3030 or email office@stgeorgesmalvern.org
The Albert Park event is called 'The Upper Room' with forthcoming 2011 speakers including Bishop Mark Burton (6 September). Enquiries please telephone 9696 5116 or email officeap@optusnet.com.au
Catholic Spirituality in the Pub (SIP) - Southern SIP meets at the Marine Hotel, New Street, Brighton. To be added to the mailing list please contact George, telephone 9558 1195.
Dayspring - Hampton Uniting Church Parish Hall, 17 Service Street, Hampton. For details of the Dayspring program please contact Ian Menzies, telephone 9598 3369 or 0403 727080.
Useful websites for personal worship:
Pray-as-you-go www.pray-as-you-go.org
Sacred Space www.sacredspace.ie

Theological Education

Education for Ministry (EfM) is a 4 year part time, distance learning program that explores in depth, the scriptures, the traditions of the church, the major theologians of the church and Theological Reflection Methods and a lot more. Click to view more www.sewanee.edu/EFM/index Students sign up for 12 monthly periods and attend weekly or fortnightly seminars (maximum of 12 students per group). A group mentor facilitates and attends the seminars. Students use the extensive notes and common lessons and report back to the group at the seminars. In effect each student is responsible for their own learning. At the completion of the course, participants are invited to discover their own ministry in the church. Certificates are issued through the Anglican Church of Australia on completion.

A 10-strong close-knit St Andrew's EfM Group travelled together for four years 2005-2008, following previous EfM courses in our Parish in the late 80s and mid-90s. It is hoped to mount another EfM Course say in 2012-2015 subject to demand - a new Mentor to be identified/accredited. To register interest please contact Robert Timms, telephone 9596 7417 or office@standrewsbrighton.org.au

An EfM Alumni Reunion is scheduled to be held at our 6.00pm service on 27 August 2011 - again please contact Robert Timms for details.

A model of our parish life can be depicted diagrammatically as follows:

In summary we seek to nurture