Many more seek Church’s “hidden pearl”

Training for Learning and Serving, widely known as TLS, the programme which sets out to stimulate thinking, enrich faith and equip people for mission and service, is celebrating its 25th birthday with a big increase in interest.

Up to 104 students are being enrolled to begin in September; one of the highest numbers of the past ten years.  42 students will begin the two year foundation course, compared with 30 a year ago and the gateways to pastoral care programme, which didn’t run last year through lack of numbers, will have seven students this time around.

The Revd Fiona Thomas, the URC’s secretary for education and learning (pictured) said: “TLS is one of the hidden pearls of the URC, with students speaking enthusiastically about how it has changed their lives. The recovery in numbers after a couple of leaner years is greatly encouraging – particularly in 2011, as we celebrate 25 years since the beginnings of TLS in the Scottish Churches Open College.”

Although TLS is run by the United Reformed Church, it is open to students from any church background. More here: http://www.urc.org.uk/what_we_do/tls/training_for_learning_and_serving