Download recordings of the Challenging Depression and Faith in a Digital Age seminars.

What is  TOOLBOX?

Toolbox happens every year, when for a few weeks (normally three, but just two this year) Roots and Fellowship Groups don’t meet, and instead we all meet together with a choice of different seminars.

What is the aim of  TOOLBOX?

It gives an opportunity to think about subjects we don’t often teach about at St. Ebbe’s, with the aim that we might be better equipped to live for Christ.

Who is toolbox for?

Anyone. Not just those who usually attend a midweek group.

When will  TOOLBOX happen?

On March 14 and 28. Each evening will begin with a meal from 7:00pm, but some may prefer to come along at 7:45pm when we will begin with a short time all together in the church, before splitting off into the different groups. The seminars will run till 9pm.

How can I be involved in TOOLBOX?

Just come along. But to help with the planning, we ask people to make their choice in advance, using the form on the back page. It won't commit you to be there each week, but it will help us to decide appropriate venues.

Details of the four courses are as follows.

OPTION 1

Old Paths for New Times   led by Vaughan Roberts.

We will be sitting at the feet of two great evangelists of the past and seeking to apply what we learn from them to our own life and witness today.

1. George Whitefield: Spirit-filled ministry

Whitefield was converted while studying at Pembroke College, a stone's throw from St Ebbe's and soon began an itinerant ministry as an evangelist on both sides of the Atlantic, which was mightily used by God. We may not have his gifts, but his example challenges us to depend more deeply on the power of God's Spirit and to expect great things from him. 

2. Francis Schaeffer: Engaging the world with love and truth

From his base in Switzerland in the 1960s and 1970s, a challenging time for traditional Christianity, Schaeffer's ministry had a profound impact on many young people from across the world. His principles of a deep commitment to truth, community, engagement with the world and dependence on God remain challenging and relevant today.

OPTION 2

Science and Faith   led by Professor Andrew Steane, Professor of Physics at Oxford University.

Andrew is a distinguished physicist and a committed Christian, and over the two evenings he will be exploring how he holds those things together. He plans to gear the second session to the particular issues and questions people raise – and is happy to take questions about different areas of science than his own field of physics.

OPTION 3

Challenging Depression   led by Jo Jackson, a member of the 9:45 congregation and a Counselling Psychologist by profession.

Depression affects one in five people at some point in their lives and is increasingly common within the church. While the Bible does not use the word ‘depression’, God has plenty to say on the matter. These sessions will aim to help us understand depression from a Biblical perspective and will give us concrete pointers for how we can love and minister to those suffering with depression.

OPTION 4

Faith in a Digital Age   led by Pete Nicholas, a member of the 4:30 congregation, studying at Wycliffe Hall.

It is easy to be much more aware of what new technology does for us, than what it does to us, yet it has significantly changed our cultural landscape. How do we make sure we don’t become slaves to our technology, instead of using it to serve and honour God? What does it mean to be virtuous in a virtual world? This seminar isn't just for the bloggers and Tweeters out there, the aim will be to equip us all to know how better to engage with the opportunities and challenges posed by the emerging technologies of the digital age. 

Week 1 - We'll think of what's distinctive about a Christian view of technology. 

Week 2 - We'll start to work through specifically how a Christian worldview affects how we 'use' emerging technologies.