Bible Study at the NCV

New College Village welcomes people of all faiths or no faith at all. In the present diverse community with over 50 nationalities we have residents who are Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus, Orthodox believers, Catholics and all types of Protestants. However, since the Sydney Diocese of the Anglican Church founded New College, we offer Christian ministry consistent with the Anglican Thirty-Nine Articles of Faith. We choose to say 'Christian' ministry rather than 'Anglican' because we wish to stress that we offer residents the opportunity to find out more about Christianity based on the teachings of the Bible, rather than just Anglicanism.

One of our activities is a Bible Study that Carmen and I run each Monday night. We have 40 people who have registered for this group, with about 25 attending each week. We have been studying the Gospel of Mark, a book in the New Testament that provides the story of Jesus life and teaching. We meet in the Main Common room where we start with supper, I usually give a brief talk, we break into groups to read part of Mark and explore some questions together and to pray, and then I wrap up.

Above: Enjoying a barbecue together on the Rooftop Terrace

Last week we met together first for a barbecue. This was a great chance to get to know each other a little better. Residents of NCV are free to join this group at any time, the only requirement being that they are interested in knowing more about the Bible's teaching.

Above: The Master turns his hand to cooking!

The NCV will be holding its own Easter Service on Thursday 9th April at which we will read passages of Scripture that tell of the last hours of Jesus' life prior to his crucifixion and resurrection, there will be music and I will give a short message. This will be a Tenebrae service. Tenebrae (which is the plural of the Latin word for 'shadows' or 'darkness') is a Christian service celebrated on the eve of Maundy Thursday and sometimes Good Friday and Saturday. Our service will be focussed on the Bible readings that tell of Jesus last hours as he approaches death on the cross.

It has been encouraging to see how many people are interested in knowing more about the Bible's teaching.

Bible Study at the NCV