SPIRITUAL FORMATION COURSES (JAN - MAY 2018)

SF102: COMING ALONGSIDE, BECOMING CHRISTLIKE

This course is an introduction to spiritual formation. Participants will not only understand but also experience the process of spiritual formation in community, what it means to come alongside others. Some practices of spiritual formation to help us ‘practice the presence of God’ will be introduced in this course. Through this course, we also hope to introduce interested Christians to CSF’s ministry and to consider volunteering to be at CSF on a regular basis e.g. one day a month, as part of the community.
 
Session 1:    Coming Alongside: What? Why? How?
Session 2:    Biblical Convictions: My Story in God’s Story
Session 3:    Practice, Posture & Experience

 Date: 20, 27 Jan & 03 Feb 2018 (Saturday)
 Time: 2 - 5pm
 Venue: [email protected]

SF103: SEVEN BIBLICAL RELATIONSHIPS ~
​POINTERS TO A DEEPER WALK WITH GOD

The Bible reveals a God who is relational. He has revealed Himself as the Father, Son and Spirit, three persons yet one God. He, the relational God, created us also as relational beings (“It is not good for man to be alone.”). We can trace through the Bible records different types of relationships between God and humankind. During the course, we will look into 7 key sets of relationships. These relationships can serve as pointers to understand the differing degrees of intimacy with God. We will then examine our own relationship with God, where we are currently, and where we desire to be.
The course ends with a day retreat, where you will spend time in prayer at the Upper Room, learn how to rest in God, allowing the Holy Spirit to speak and we listen.
 
Session 1:    The Relational God of the Bible ~ Triune God of Grace:  Father, Son, Spirit
Session 2:    Re-examining our relationship with God    ~ Creatures, Sinners, Servants, Sons & Daughters
Session 3:   Where are you? Invitation to Intimacy & Communion   ~ Friends of God, Beloved of God

Date: 03, 10 & 17 Mar 2018 (Saturday)
Time: 2 - 5pm
Venue: Bethel Presbyterian Church

SF201: SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES ~ MEANS OF GRACE TOWARDS CHRISTLIKENESS

How does a Christian continue to grow deeper in Christ after the initial thrill of experiencing God’s love and saving grace? Even as we commit ourselves to serve Him, how do we renew ourselves after the demands and drain of ministry? We know about the core spiritual disciplines of keeping our quiet time, prayer and reading the Bible. Spiritual disciplines however, are not just to nourish our spiritual life, and also to cultivate a spiritual attentiveness to God.
This Spiritual Formation course aims to introduce a group of spiritual disciplines to help us “to practice the presence of God.” A framework linking these disciplines and the process involved will be explained.
The course is designed to be practical. Beside the teaching segment, we will practice the disciplines e.g. the writing journal reflections, and meeting up with spiritual directors to discern God’s leading in your
life. These disciplines will help us to grow deeper in Christ and provide renewal after the drain of ministry. 

Date: 07, 14, 21; 05, 19 & 26 May 2018 (Saturday)
Time: 2 - 5pm
Venue: Bethel Presbyterian Church
Pre-requisite: Attended 2 SF100 courses

#1  MILESTONES
      ~The Story begins
#2  JOURNALLING
      ~The Re-membering begins
#3  LECTIO DIVINA
      ~ The Rumination begins
#4  SILENCE & SOLITUDE
      ~The Listening begins
#5  CONVERSATIONS
      ~The Friendship begins
#6  SPIRITUAL DIRECTION
      ~The Co-discerning begins
#7  SPIRITUAL RETREAT
     ~The Communion begins
#8  SABBATH: WORK & REST
     ~A rhythm of grace begins
#9  HOLY SPIRIT: WITH/IN US
     ~The Paraclete coming alongside

SF104: PRAYING THE WORD (LECTIO DIVINA)

The essence of Lectio Divina is prayer, seeking God.  It is heartening to learn that the Word of God is not only a revelation of the LORD to His children but also a resource to aid us in our prayer to Him.  In this course, we will learn to let the Word of God descend from our head to our heart and seek God there.  It is there where reading the Bible seeks to challenge our habitual beliefs, attitudes and behaviour.  We become open to the Holy Spirit’s action of grace upon our lives. 
 
Session 1:    The Theological Basis of Lectio Divina
Session 2:    The Movement of Lectio Divina
Session 3:    The Practice and Posture of Lectio Divina             
​
Date: 12, 19 & 26 May 2018 (Saturday)
Time: 2 - 5pm
Venue: [email protected]


Please e-mail [email protected]  for more information