Baker's Dozen
Note: This series has now finished.
From Thursday 27th September 2007 we will be looking at thirteen leaders and builders of the Church, a "baker's dozen". The meetings will be held on Thursday evenings at 1930 and will be led by our minister, Rev Robert Dolman. Please consult the events page for details of the meetings this month.
The Christian Church across the centuries has been made up of countless people like ourselves, engaged in ordinary occupations, a complex mixture of frailty and faithfulness. It is a small minority of dedicated individuals who make a significant difference in each generation. These are gifted men and women who read the signs of the times and bring about change; their creativity and inspiration lives on in the record of their achievement or perhaps in their writings, music or painting.
We shall begin with Paul, missionary and preacher, founder of churches and writer of letters that have become scripture. A study of what he had to say has led to many a major renewal in the life of the Church.
He was a great influence on Saint Augustine, one of the greatest Christian minds of all time, whose ideas travelled down the centuries and have informed much of our thinking.
Benedict was one of the founders of the monastic way of life and a gentle spiritual guide with much to say about the Christian life and community living.
Columba established the tradition of Iona and there is much to think about in his many-sided religious and political record.
Francis of Assisi has much to teach our modern world about our care for the poor and for the planet itself.
Dame Julian of Norwich was a woman of profound spirituality whose thoughts can take the roofs off our minds.
George Fox, Quaker, John Bunyan, Independent, William and Catherine Booth, Salvation Army, all contributed important strands to English Christianity.
Moving into modern times, CS Lewis has been a guru for a generation.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a modern martyr whose letters and papers raise profound questions about how to follow Jesus.
The Polish Pope John Paul II stamped a new image for the Roman Catholic Church; both his personal story and his convictions are immensely moving.
Mother Teresa was one of the best-known Christians of the late 20th century. What about her life is important and helpful for us?