The Living GOSPEL

Worship & Communion

Groups designed to enhance Spiritual, Mental and Physical Wellbeing

Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.’ 1 Thessalonians 5:23

Introduction

The Living Gospel focuses on Spiritual and Mental well-being, through a series of group sessions. The sessions are facilitated by two mental health occupational therapists (one retired), an elder of the church who preaches and teaches from God’s Word, and others with their own experience of mental health issues. There are six sessions in each series.

Occupational therapists are qualified health professionals, who assist people to enjoy a healthy, balanced lifestyle of their choice, that supports their mental and physical wellbeing. They assess the impact that disability has upon a person’s occupational identity and then help people to maximise their independence, overcoming temporary disabilities or adapting to more permanent ones - whether physical, psychological or socially based.

The Living Gospel enables spiritual wellbeing to be placed in the centre of this process. The need for this is evidenced by the Canadian Model of Occupational Performance, which is a well-researched model of practice used by occupational therapists to underpin their practice. It views people holistically, as body, soul and spirit, thereby providing a scientific evidence base that endorses truths established in the bible.

We invite participants to explore this bible-based approach to their health. The conclusions that they come to and directions that they choose for their life, are entirely up to them. No previous knowledge of the bible is necessary. The sessions are open to anyone and there is no charge

The Three-fold Cord

The Living Gospel Series, approaches wellbeing through addressing the needs of spirit, soul and body. Imagine a cord that is comprised of two strands, tied at the top. If the cord is lifted up without an anchor at the bottom it will easily become untwisted. That is what happens if we only focus upon the needs of our body and soul – we become unstable and weak when under pressure and without an anchor.

Now consider a cord that is comprised of three strands, plaited together, tied at the top. If that cord is lifted up without an anchor it will be much less likely to become untwisted. In the bible

God said ‘Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken’ (Ecclesiastes 4:12).

These sessions are founded upon the ‘three-fold’ cord in which God created us – spirit, soul and body. The third strand - spirit, is not a vague ‘spirituality’. Neither is it a religion, or rules, a church or any other sect or cult. The third strand that needs to be woven into our life is a Person. Someone who can save us, keep us safe, and give wisdom in every situation. This third strand is Jesus Christ, the Son of God. He alone can give spiritual life, spiritual health and spiritual fitness. Through Him, we can find complete well-being because Jesus shows us the right way to communicate with God, ourselves and one another.

Developing Confident Communication

Is this course for me?

Do you sometimes find it difficult to communicate effectively with other people? Would you like to be more confident in social situations? Is it hard for you to say no, or to ask for help, or own up to how you feel about a situation? This course explores ways in which all of us are inclined to make mistakes and often lack confidence when relating to other people. It is designed to help us to identify ways in which we may be able to address those issues more effectively. Topics covered include non-verbal communication, listening skills, saying ‘no’, making requests and coping with criticism. The sessions are informal and encourage as much participation as possible. We are careful not to pressurise people though. It is ok to simply listen. No-one is made to do anything.

Session Structure:
There are six sessions in the series. Each session will have three elements to it:

 Guidance regarding techniques to improve the effectiveness of our communication, and consideration of difficulties that may be encountered.
 Creative and practical ways to explore those issues and practice techniques that may be useful.
 Spiritual application of those principles from a Christian and biblical perspective. Notes are provided on the session content, that build up over the weeks into a handbook that can be kept for future reference.

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

Proverbs 9:10

Managing Stress & Anxiety

Is this course for me?

Do you struggle with stress and anxiety? Would you like to learn some techniques for managing it more effectively? Would you like to explore ways to understand your situation from a Christian and Bible based perspective? Would you like to meet others who share similar experiences? If so, why not try this course? It’s informal, friendly and relaxed in approach.

Session Structure:

There are six sessions in the series. Each session will have three elements to it:

 Tips and techniques that may help for coping with panic, anxiety and stress.
 Practical activities that facilitate exploration of those ideas
 A biblical perspective on the issues.

No prior knowledge of the Bible is necessary. Each participant will be offered notes from each session that build up a handbook that can be kept for future reference.

Wellbeing

Is this course for me?

Do you struggle with mental health issues, or simply feel that life is no longer rewarding? Would you like to take time to reflect upon your lifestyle? This course explores the ‘Five ways to Wellbeing’ recommended by the Government’s public health initiative and considers the way in which it is applied spiritually as well.

Session Structure:
Topics covered are based on the Five Ways to Wellbeing:

 Connection – talk, listen and have company
 Being active – move around, exercise, mobilize
 Taking Notice – watch, consider, enjoy
 Keep learning – do new things, go new places
 Giving – use your gifts and experience for the benefit of others.

About the course:
There are six sessions in the series. Each session will have three elements to it:

 Guidance regarding the five ways to well being as recommended by research
 Creative ways to explore those recommendations using such things as pottery, art, problem solving, creative writing.
 Spiritual application of those principles from a Christian and biblical perspective.

No prior knowledge of the Bible is necessary. Each participant will be offered notes from each session that build up a handbook that can be kept for future reference.

‘But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.’

Matthew 6:33

ALL OF THE ABOVE COURSE ARE FREE OF CHARGE

Location:

In the School Room of Littlemoor Gospel Chapel,
24 Littlemoor, Dunston Lane, Newbold, Chesterfield S41 8QL

"So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness."

Colossians 2 : 6-7