Explore faith
At St Mary’s the sermons at all of our three Sunday services provide the most frequent opportunities to consider aspects of the Christian faith.
We are fortunate in currently hearing sermons from Associate Priest Revd. Judith Bersweden, and our Vicar, Revd John Hayward. Each brings a different style and life experience to bear on their preaching, centred around, but not limited to, the lectionary readings for the particular Sunday.
A regular study group meets at St Mary’s (our Pilgrim Group , details below) and additional opportunities are offered at our neighbouring parish of St James, with which we have good links.
Further afield, but still very near, Roehampton University and St Paul’s Cathedral offer some excellent resources and lectures with world-class speakers.
Pilgrim Group
The Pilgrim Group offers an opportunity for informal prayer, study and fellowship. The summer 2024 series of meetings will be held (all except the first meeting in the small hall) on the following Thursday evenings between 7.30 and 9.00 pm: 16 and 30 May, 13 and 20 June, and 4 and 18 July.
This term we shall be reading together What is the Point of Being a Christian? by Timothy Radcliffe. From the blurb: ‘What is the point of being a Christian? One is pointed to God, who is the point of everything. If one thinks of religion as just “useful” then one has reduced it to another consumer product. But if we are pointed to God, then this should make a difference to how we live.… the lives of Christian should be marked by some form of hope, freedom, happiness, and courage. If they are not then why should anyone believe a word we say?’
A very warm welcome is extended to all, especially new participants. For more details, contact Simon Hillson (simonhillson@me.com; 07970 165 907).
Online
Short introductory leaflets on various aspects of Christian faith and practice can be downloaded from the Gospel Imprint website at http://www.gospelimprint.com/GI-pages/downloads.htm.
Other resources
- Our next door parish of St James, Martin Way - 1 mile away.
Further afield
Roehampton University - 5 miles away.
- Catherine of Siena College offers online courses in gender studies, justice, religion and theology.
The University website - www.roehampton.ac.uk - has details of short and long courses in theology and open days.
St Paul’s Cathedral -10 miles away
Brochures advertising world class events and lectures at St Paul’s Cathedral are to be found amongst the information in the tower at St Mary’s. Follow this link for further details of lectures that attract speakers of national and international standing, fostering an informed Christian response to the most urgent ethical and spiritual issues of our times: equality, stewardship and the meaning of the common good.
