New College
New College Christian Fellowship (NCCF)
The NCCF is the group of students at New College that coordinates many of the Christian activities. There is a committee elected every year that takes responsibility for organising most of the NCCF events. The centrepiece events of the NCCF calendar are the two Weekends Away that happen each year. These are open to every resident, and include time spent reading and discussing the Bible, as well as lots of opportunities to hang out, play games and spend time outdoors. The NCCF also organises breakfasts, barbeques, prayer nights, Testimony Nights (events where residents share their story of coming to the Christian faith), Q&A events, and much more.
College Service
New College holds its own informal Christian services once per fortnight in the Main Common Room. The services are coordinated by the Dean Of Residents, in collaboration with the NCCF and other residents. Speakers range from ministers at local churches and people involved with external Christian organisations to New College, staff, and residents themselves. Students play an active role in running these services – organising and playing music, reading the Bible, praying, service leading, preaching, and providing supper. A few times a year, New College and NCPV come together for joint College Services.
Bible Studies
New College has a close relationship with the Anglican chaplaincy group at UNSW, Campus Bible Study (CBS), and their church, Unichurch. New College and Unichurch partner to host a number of bible study groups for residents in the College. These are open to any student, whether they are Christian or just investigating questions of faith. The small group bible studies are typically run on a Thursday night, and are a great way to meet fellow collegians and learn from the bible.
Local Churches
In addition to the College’s Christian activities, many collegians are involved in local churches as well. Campus Bible Study’s Unichurch is conveniently located on campus (and has other services for specific language groups and international students). Residents also attend other churches representing various Christian denominations.
New College Postgraduate Village (NCPV)
College Service
New College Postgraduate Village holds its own informal Christian services in the Main Common Room every month. The services are coordinated by the Dean of Residents with the help of the Senior Ministry Residents. Speakers range from ministers at local churches and people involved with external Christian organisations to NCPV staff and residents themselves. Students play an active role in running these services – organising and playing music, reading the Bible, praying, service leading, preaching, and providing supper. A few times a year, New College and NCPV come together for joint College Services.
Bible Studies
NCPV runs a number of weekly Bible study groups for residents. These are usually led by the Dean Of Residents and/or the Senior Ministry Residents. NCPV Bible study groups are open to all residents, whether Christian or just investigating questions of faith. A typical Bible study at NCPV will involve reading through a passage from the Bible together, after which the group leader will facilitate a discussion about what the passage means and how it ought to impact our lives. From time to time, ‘Christianity Explored’ courses are run for those who are interested in learning about the Christian faith for the first time.
Local Churches
In addition to NCPV’s Christian activities, many residents are involved in local churches as well. The UNSW Anglican Chaplaincy, Campus Bible Study (CBS), runs a number of congregations on campus. These include Unichurch, FOCUS Mandarin, FOCUS Cantonese, FOCUS Indonesia and FOCUS International. For the past few years, Christians training in ministry with CBS and FOCUS have lived in NCPV, helping to run Christian activities and build community. Students also attend other churches representing various Christian denominations.