Each year, the FOCUS Weekend Away features three talks by a guest speaker. In 2025, Brian Rosner will be joining us to explore prayer.

Get to know Brian: ‍

Brian served as principal of Ridley College until 2024. Now on the faculty as a lecturer in New Testament he has more time for speaking and writing and has stopped chasing his tail. A scholar of international reputation, he is the author of a bunch of books, including most recently, How to Find Yourself: Why Looking Inward is Not the Answer (you can borrow it from the St Bart's library). Married to Nat who is a minister at St Jude’s in Melbourne, he has four children and two grandchildren. An ordinary Christian like the rest of us, Brian has made it his life’s mission to learn how the grace of God teaches us to live.

We're thrilled Brian is coming to join us! You might be familiar with Brian from the Ridley Certificate courses, particularly 1 Corinthians, but it'll be great to have more time with him over the weekend.

Bible Talks: The Who, What, and How of Prayer‍

Be devoted to prayer.  Keep on praying.  Pray continually.  Most Christians struggle in their prayer lives to meet these goals.  Thankfully, the Bible’s instructions on how to pray, what to pray, and to whom we pray lifts this burden and gives us a realistic perspective and pathway to praying consistently and with confidence. Across three talks, Brian will be unpacking for us How to Pray (Acts 12:1-24), What to Pray (Matthew 6:9-13), and To Whom We Pray (Psalm 29). There will be space to unpack each of these topics in small group discussions.

Parallel to Brian's talks will be the St Bart's Kids program for early childhood and primary aged children. They will be looking at the same theme of prayer.

More information:

• Ask any question: We know that heading away can be a big commitment. If you have questions about the cost or what the accommodation looks like, please reach out to Amy (amy@stbarts.com.au).
• Finance options: We'd love to enable everyone (of all ages to come). If finances are a barrier, we have financial sponsorship available to subsidise part of the cost - just reach out to Amy. If you would find it easier to pay a deposit (25%), and the rest later, you can enter the code 'deposit'. Otherwise, if you'd like to assist someone else to come to FOCUS, you can do that too: FOCUS Sponsorship.

Join us for a Weekend Away at Coolum Beach, from Friday May 30 to Sunday June 1. This is a weekend for all ages, with a kids program, Bible teaching, and plenty of time to enjoy the beach! It’s a great way to meet new people and set aside some time to grow as a disciple.

➡️ Register here: stbarts.com.au/focus‍

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