Newsletter - 17th July 2022
The Abraham Course – a time for new beginnings
Now the LORD said to Abram, ‘Go from your country and your kindred and your father’s house to the land that I will show you. I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you, and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. – Genesis 12:1-2
Abram, later known as Abraham, was 75 when he set out with his wife Sarah on this journey. Their story is an inspiring witness to those of a similar age. Rather than a closing down, it is a time of opening up to a new chapter in life.
Over the last few weeks some people from this parish have come together to explore what the call of Abraham might mean in their own lives. The primary focus was to discover more fully what God’s promise to Abraham for this stage of their life– the promise both to be blessed and to be a blessing in the world.
Here are some comments from the participants who just completed it:
“I have thoroughly enjoyed the course and will pass on any further courses to my colleagues.”
“I thank God who makes life so fruitful and motivated especially in this time of our lives.”
“The atmosphere was electric with the presence and guidance of the Holy Spirit.”
“I came to a new acceptance of this stage of my life, looking forward to it rather than dreading it.”
The Abraham course is offered by the Chemin Neuf Community. It is five all day sessions offered weekly or bi-weekly and includes teaching, prayer, sharing groups and socialising. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming.
We hope to offer another Abraham course in the parish in the coming year. This autumn it will also be offered at Storrington Priory, every other week. If you want to know more, you can talk with the participants who have just finished the course, with Nancy or Deacon Ted Wood ccn (pictured on the right).
Focus of the Week
Sunday morning Masses
During August we will be combining the two Sunday morning masses into one mass at 10.00am (tea and coffee will still be provided after this mass).