Sharing the love of Jesus in our Community

 

Baptism of Children (sometimes refered to as Christening)
At Bishop Ridley Church, we offer everyone the opportunity to find out more about what it means to be a Christian, and to know Jesus in their life. As part of that journey of discovery in life, we encourage parents to bring their children to be baptised.
Incidentally, sometimes parents who weren’t baptised themselves as children decide that they would like to be baptised as well, as I did a few years ago! At the age of 37, I was baptised with my daughter Alice (7) and my son James (5), all one after the other).
If you live in the Parish of Falconwood and have just had a baby, or if you have a child at Bishop Ridley School or the Babes and Toddler Group, or in the uniformed organisations (Rainbows, Beavers, Brownies, Cubs, Guides and Scouts), and you would like to find out more about what it means to have your child baptised, then we do invite you to join us at our Sunday morning worship from 10.30am.
A Church Family?
In these difficult times of boom and bust every responsible parent wants the best for their children. But what more can we do for our children? What part can God play in their upbringing? Will He be with them and help them if we ask him?
Many at Bishop Ridley Church have been through and are going through the process of bringing up children. To bring up a child with a bigger family around us, it can be a great help and support as we face the difficulties that arise in life. Through prayer and with Jesus, you will not feel alone.
You may well be surprised at the likeminded people within our Church family and wonder why you have left it for so long!
Oh yes, baptism or christening – is there a difference?
There is no difference in the meaning of the two words. However, in the church we only use the word baptism because that is the word used in the Bible for immersing people in water when they declare their faith in Jesus. Also you won’t find the word ‘christen’ in the service that is used for baptism.
Are you interested in finding out more about having your child baptised? Or even being baptised yourself?!
An ideal way to find out what the church, Jesus and baptism are all about is to come to our services, where you will also find leaders from the uniformed groups, governors and helpers at Bishop Ridley Primary School, neighbours you may recognise and many more!
Who can I contact?
For Baptism please contact the church office on info@brchurch.org.uk or
phone 020 8303 9998.
You can also see more about who we are and what we do on our website www.brchurch.org.uk , where there is a page on baptism and Alpha (which is a course that we run on getting to know more about the Christian faith).
Simon Caddock

The Alpha Course Section -

NEXT COURSE STARTS THURSDAY 28TH JANUARY 2010 
Thinking, what can Alpha bring to you?


Explore the meaning of life alpha.org

What is the point of life?
What happens when we die?
Is forgiveness possible?
What relevance does Jesus have for our lives today?
What is Alpha?


Alpha is a 10 week, 1 session a week, course with a Saturday awayday in the middle. Each session begins with a meal where you get to know the other people on the course and those leading the group.
This is followed by a talk (either live or on DVD), and then a group discussion on the topic for the day.
Listen, learn, discuss and discover. Alpha is a place where no question is too simple or too hostile. You can ask any question.

It is supported by all the main Christian denominations.

St John's Church, Welling and Bishop Ridley Church, Falconwood run Alpha together


There is no charge for the Alpha course.

It's relaxed, non-threatening, low key, friendly and fun. The Alpha course is an opportunity for anyone to explore the Christian faith.


The dates of the current Evening Alpha course are below.


Each evening begins with a meal at 7.15pm, so try not to eat before you come! Let us know if there's something you can't eat. Evenings end at 9.45pm. This course is being held at 21 Honiton Road, Welling DA16 3LF and is being led by a small team.


Week 1 Thurs 28th Jan: Who is Jesus?

Week 2 Thurs 4th Feb: Why did Jesus Die?

Week 3 Thurs 11th Feb: How can I be sure of my faith?

Week 4 Thurs 18th Feb: Why and how do I pray?

Week 5 Thurs 25th Feb: Why and how should I read the Bible?

Week 6 Thurs 4th Mar: How does God guide us?


Saturday Awayday Sat 6th Mar 10am-4pm

Who is the Holy Spirit?

What does the Holy Spirit do?

How can I be filled with the Spirit?


Week 7 Thurs 11th Mar: How can I resist evil?

Week 8 Thurs 18th Mar: Why and how should we tell others?

Week 9 Thurs 25th Mar: Does God heal today?

Week 10 Thurs 1st April: What about the Church?


Date tbc End of Course Celebration & Invitation Supper 7.30-9.30pm


We run daytime courses, but not so frequently. If you would like details sent to you of the next available daytime course, or of anywhere else running a daytime course, please contact as below or search on www.alpha.org .

The next Youth Alpha (for 11-18's) is scheduled to run in Autumn 2010.


If you feel you are ready to explore this avenue then please contact
alpha@brchurch.org.uk For more details please speak to Trudi or ring the church office.


For Baptism (Christenings) contact baptism@brchurch.org.uk
Questions on this subject please click here

This year’s Confirmation service is taking place on 21st June at St John’s Church. If you are interested in being confirmed please speak to Tim.

For Weddings, contact weddings@brchurch.org.uk
Questions on this subject please click here

For Funerals, contact funerals@brchurch.org.uk
Questions on this subject please click here

Youth Alpha courses run for ages 11 - 18yrs.

For more information about Youth Alpha, please contact -

Kate Foot, YA Administrator

020 8303 1107 / 07712 364 962

or

e-mail to kate.foot@tiscali.co.uk