course in christian studies 09

Ernie Guest (vicar), Sandra Sykes (Reader in training), Jo Chambers (ordinand), Bishop John (Bishop of Chelmsford), Kate Ritchie (Sunday School & Home Group leader) & Sharon Guest (Reader). All former CCS students - except the bishop, who missed out!

One of the highlights of the year in Chelmsford Cathedral is the annual service celebrating the Course in Christian Studies and the training of Pastoral Assistants and Evangelists. During the service Bishop John, the Bishop of Chelmsford, presents certificates to CCS, Pastoral Assistant and Evangelist course graduates. This year the service will be held on 8^th July at 8pm and anyone is most welcome to join with graduates, their families, friends and churches for this great occasion.

Since it began in 1987, nearly 3000 people from Essex and North East London have completed the Course in Christian Studies. CCS is a two year course exploring the Christian Faith with others, delivered weekly in local centres around the Diocese of Chelmsford. CCS has a foundational first year and a more flexible second year and leads to the Bishop’s Certificate. In an exciting new partnership CCS centres have recently been established in the Stepney and Willesden areas of London Diocese.

During July taster evenings will be held at CCS centres to give those interested an opportunity to discover a bit more about the course. This year CCS centres are planned for Bradwell-on-Sea, Chelmsford, Colchester, Hadleigh, Ilford, Romford, Stebbing (Dunmow) and Vange (Basildon). Information about the course is being sent out to every parish in the diocese and further information about CCS and the taster evenings can be found here.