Are you...

• Keen to in deepen your knowledge and understanding of Scripture?
  • Interested in (or already) preaching or leading in your local congregation?
  • Undertaking a Period of Discernment?
  • Wanting to update your Bible and Leadership skills?

Then Lay Preacher Schools are for you!

The ELM Centre is committed to providing learning opportunities for those seeking accreditation as Lay Preachers as well as those who wish to update their knowledge for Lay Ministry Leadership.

There are 4 modules:

• Proclaiming Jesus Christ
  • Old Testament Foundations
  • New Testament Foundations
  • Theology—Uniting Church Perspectives

Skills related to proclamation of God's good news and leading worshipping communities will be incorporated in each of these modules. Students who attend all 4 modules will also have completed the study components for Worship and Preaching.

These Lay Preacher modules will be competency based and use multiple methods of learning and assessment including reflections, journaling, group and individual presentations, film, workshops and lectures.

Understanding the Sacraments is a four day course designed to enable lay people to engage with the theology and practice of the two sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion, as seen by the Uniting Church in Australia. It is open to any interested lay person to attend, complete the assessment tasks, and gain a Certificate of Achievement.

The course also covers the topics listed in the Assembly Standing Committee’s guidelines concerning preparation for authorisation as a Lay Presider, so ELM suggests that successful completion of the course with its assessment tasks can be an important part of the process of authorisation used by Presbyteries.

An annual event held at the Centre for Ministry, North Parramatta, featuring guest presenters, this lecture is dedicated to a lay woman dedicated to the sharing of faith and love in order to present the many ministries in which people of God serve. Details of this year's speaker, date and topic will be found on the events page.

To find out more about the background of the May Macleod lectures or to see transcripts or notes from previous May Macleod Lectures click here.

Why To Have & To Hold?
- Are you and your partner thinking seriously about a lifelong committed relationship ?
- Do you wonder what else you should talk about before making a commitment to marriage?
- Do you want to deepen your relationship with each other?
- Would you like to learn helpful skills to keep your marriage alive?

What is To Have & To Hold?

It is a course for couples who want the benefits of time together away from the normal routines of life to develop skills and to succeed in making a lasting relationship.

The courses suit those marrying for the first time as well as those previously married. The course is also useful for couples of all ages and relationship experience.

Couples are led by experienced marriage educators with a minimum of four and a maximum of ten couples in each course.

During the course couples will gather a handbook of information on all the topics, a great resource for later.

The course is non-residential, held on two consecutive Saturdays (9am to 5pm).

Participants are asked to bring their own picnic lunch. (Note: The course at Chatswood South is across the road from the Great Northern Hotel which also does a good lunch.)

A brochure is available on our downloads page. Scheduled courses are listed on the events page, and registrations can be entered online.

For further details about the program including fees contact ELM.

For those wanting to explore creative and practical ideas for worship and develop worship leadership skills. Previous Worship Expos have been held in Sydney, Dubbo, Narrabri and Sawtell and have featured featured guests such as songwriter Robin Mann. Please contact the ELM Centre if you would like to know more about future events.