Look out for our new postcard adverts! The Publicity Group recently commissioned Aubrey Boyns to design a postcard around the theme 'Mission is possible' and this is what he has come up with - we are delighted! With an increased emphasis on mission, the idea is to promote the opportunities the school offers to help prepare workers for service, according to the abilities God has given us. The flip side of the card simply points others to our web site where there are details of our Extension and Distance Learning Programmes.

If attendance is anything to go by, then our second Study Weekend held at East Kilbride on 12th and 13th June was equally as successful as the first one, just three weeks before. Those able to return for the second weekend did so, along with a number of others joining us for the first time. We mostly kept to the same format, providing an intensive period of learning over a relatively short amount of time. We continued with the second half of our module on ‘The History & Development of Biblical Texts’ (GEN01).

Classes began on Friday evening with a review quiz followed by an introduction to the text of the New Testament. On the Saturday we looked at the manuscripts and ancient versions bearing witness to the text before considering some of the processes of textual reconstruction. Students spent a total of just over nine hours in class over the weekend, being more than adequately catered for by the ladies of the local congregation who did an admirable job (once again).

One of our students, Nick Wilson from Hyvot's Bank gave a class presentation on the Lindisfarne Gospels - a splendid Vulgate manuscript copied on the Holy Island and arguably the finest example of Anglo Saxon/Celtic art known to exist.

We look forward to conducting Study Weekends on a regular basis throughout the U.K. These may be based on any one of our modules. If you are interested in hosting one in your area - please do get in touch.

Our first Study Weekend, held at East Kilbride in Scotland, was very well attended and seemed to be well received. Unlike a ‘typical’ study day, the weekend provided an intense period of learning covering the first half of our module on ‘The History & Development of Biblical Texts’ (GEN01). Classes began on Friday evening and concluded on the Saturday with students being ‘in class’ for a total of nine hours over the weekend.

The weekend covered approximately half of the module and included an introduction to textual transmission along with a study of the development of the Old Testament text. The second half of the module will be covered at the next study weekend to be held from 12th to 13th June at the same location. Here students will look at the development of the New Testament text and begin to examine the processes of textual reconstruction from the evidences available.

Whilst a number of those who attended the first study weekend are simply wanting to take part in the class sessions, several are planning to undertake the assignments which include an in-class presentation and essay to be submitted at a later date. The module counts towards internal certificates for which a number of students are working. All are welcome to attend the next study weekend - even if you missed the first. For more information, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

The first of the two East Kilbride study weekends to be held over the next couple of months is only just over a fortnight away. The dates are: 22nd to 23rd May 2009. All are welcome to attend and a booking form is available here.

The study weekends also form a part of our module on The History & Development of Biblical Texts (GEN01), though any may attend without completing the additional assignments. Those enrolled on our module-point credit programme will need to attend both study weekends and complete all assignments as given.

This first weekend will begin with an introduction to the subject of Textual Transmission, set in the context of God's revelation to mankind. We will move on to examine the documents of the Old Testament text, including the manuscripts and ancient versions with special attention to the contents and significance of the 'Dead Sea Scrolls'. Finally, we will consider the implications of our findings for life and mission in the 21st century.

For more details look here, or contact either Jon Galloway on 01355 247798 or Patrick Boyns on 01733 223331.