Links to other learning providers

Eastern Region Training Partnership (ERTP)

www.ertp.org.uk

The ERTP is a partnership between Christian denominations and its aim is to present a holistic vision of Christian education across the region with the intention of promoting individual and corporate discipleship. It provides the quarterly CLEAR bulletin listing courses and resources across the whole of the Eastern region. (CLEAR stands for Christians Learning Across the EAstern Region).

Norwich Cathedral Library

http://www.cathedral.org.uk/pages/html/libraries.html

This valuable resource is open to everyone and offers material to suit all readers from general interest to degree level. The librarian, Mrs Gudrun Warren, writes, "All aspects of Christian theology are represented - from biblical studies, liturgy and church history to spirituality, inter-faith issues and ethics." Situated at first floor level next to the Cathedral refectory, the library is open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays between 09.30 and 16.30. The catalogue is also available online. E-mail: library@cathedral.org.uk / Telephone: 01603 218443

Spiritual Direction

Having another person with whom to share the spiritual journey can be an enormous help and encouragement. If you would like some advice on this and a pointer towards someone who might offer you support and companionship along your journey of faith, please e-mail canonpastor@cathedral.org.uk or susanna.gunner@norwich.anglican.org

Education for Ministry (EfM)

www.efmuk.org.uk

If you are interested in committing yourself to serious study, take a look at the EfM website. This extremely comprehensive course exists primarily "to strengthen lay people in our understanding of the challenges and ways to living out our faith. ...It offers a unique combination of academic study, theological reflection, and fellowship, constantly building and growing over the four year period of its duration." (Helena Mbele-Mbong, former EfM Mentor).

EfM students meet about 36 times a year in seminar groups for study and worship and support this time of learning together with their own individual study. The four year course is intensive and challenging. As the website says: ‘EFM has a creative method of theological reflection that enables participants to make connections between their life experiences, the attitudes and values they hold dearly, the cultural context in which they live, and most importantly the insights of 2000 years of Christian tradition. Students begin to practise this method almost immediately. As their biblical knowledge of the Bible and theology deepens by reading the texts, so their theological reflection becomes more insightful.' No wonder that EfM's strapline is "Changing Lives"! A recent graduate says "I feel much more confident about my faith. I don't have all the answers but I realise I have a part to play, through my home, church and community, in building a better and more hopeful world for everyone." (Academic accreditation is possible through EfM's partnership with The University College of Chester.)

It is hoped to re-start an EfM group in the Diocese of Norwich. If you are interested in joining a group as either student or mentor, please contact The Revd Haydon Wilcox on 01252 621639 or e-mail administrator@efmuk.org.uk

A Workbook for Developing the Local Church

Download an information sheet/order form / visit their website

This new publication, by 4M Publications, encourages reflection on the organisational aspects of the local church, not in a formal constitutional way but your shared story, the numerical size of the congregation and how that might be changing, the purposes you may be taking for granted and the reasons people have for choosing your church. All these reflections add up to an account of who you are and where your strengths lie, which in turn suggests appropriate ways of development.