Dear Friends,
Happy New Year! For the College, January is a month of marking, preparation, and planning before we begin a whole new set of classes next week. It’s a few weeks of resetting and looking at the coming months – as ever there is lots going on!
It’s not too late to join classes for this coming term, but you’ll have to be quick! If you, or anyone you know, would be interested in taking one of our modules this term, then please get in contact with Graham as soon as possible (graham.meiklejohn@uws.ac.uk). We’ve got three excellent introductory classes (more info here) – Christian Worship; Values of Youth and Community Ministry; and Pastoral Care.
We also have two upper-level classes that are excellent for continuing ministerial development or for those who have done a little study and want to extend their knowledge further. The first is Old Testament Theological Exegesis which looks at reading the Old Testament and explores its relevancy for the contemporary world. The second is Story of God which explores the history and development of the doctrines of Trinity and Christology and considers how they apply to issues of suffering, community, and mission. Again, get in contact with Graham Meiklejohn if you’re interested and he will guide you through the next steps.
Beyond classes and over the next few months, there are plenty of events to join in with and to keep in prayer. Not too far away in February we are holding our first on-campus Open Day of 2026. At this point in the year, we’re really building up the momentum for gathering applications for a September 2026 start. Please do spread the word and keep those considering studies in your prayers. You can find out more about the Open Day here. Near the beginning of March, we have the SBC Annual General Meeting, where we will gather our member churches to share reports from the past year and look ahead in the hope of creating a more sustainable future. Please pray for the College and the decision-makers as they look to discern the best path ahead. In mid-March is our next public lecture – we’re hosting our former colleague, Rev Dr Paulus de Jong for his Whitley Lecture on Reconciliation. In the afternoon, we are holding a seminar where we will be in conversation with Paulus on the practical and ministerial implications of Reconciliation. In the evening he will deliver his lecture on gospel narratives of reconciliation. Please come along to one or both of these events. (Seminar booking here ; Lecture registration via Eventbrite here)
Finally, we have an exciting opportunity at the start of the new year! We’re inviting applicants to become a Governor on the College’s Board – you can find more information on our website. Specifically, we’re interested in those who have one or more of the following skill set: running a small business, fundraising, Human Resources, marketing and media, and Higher Education. If you think this could be you, then please contact our Chair of Governors, Dr Joan McDowell (joanmcdowell92@gmail.com).
As we begin a new year and a new term, we thank you for your continued support in prayer, finances, and encouragement.
Ian Birch and the SBC Team
Prayer Points:
Please continue to remember us in prayer.
+ Pray for the start of term 2 – for new and returning students as they start studies again.
+ Give thanks for a refreshing Christmas break.
+ Pray for the term ahead – for the Open Days, the AGM, the lectures and classes.
+ Give thanks for our continued good relationship with our validating University.
Thank you for your continued support and prayers as we continue to equip people to serve God’s Kingdom.
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