Waiting for Children

Waiting for Children is a course for couples facing fertility issues. We recognise that this can be a very lonely and confusing time. Through the course, we hope to offer encouragement and support, whilst acknowledging that each coupleā€™s story is unique.

Course Dates

October/November 2024 (dates TBC)

Time:

19:45 - 21:00

Duration: 5 weeks


Hosted by: Jo Roper, Alexia Hewson, Ike Cooke and Abi Mcilrath
Cost:
Free
Location:
Remotely, via an online platform
Email us if you have any questions

Oxford Course - Start date: 24th March Waiting for Children ā€” St Andrew's Church, Oxford (standrewsoxford.org)

    • Impact on couples

    • Dealing with loss and telling others

    • Adoption

    • Fertility treatment

    • Living fruitfully

  • The course will be hosted live over Zoom by Jo Roper, Ike Cooke and Alexia Hewson who will introduce the session and interview a series of couples they have invited on their experience of fertility issues. Although all are welcome, we recommend that couples attend the course together as there will be time, during the sessions, when they will be encouraged to talk between themselves about certain issues. These issues will never be subject to group discussion and you will not need to share anything with anyone else. There will be opportunity to connect with others if desired.

  • Jo is an obstetric and gynaecology doctor who is married to Mark Roper, the leader of Fabric Church, Manchester (a plant of HTB). Joā€™s parents had a long wait for children and this is part of the reason this issue has been laid on her heart. Although it has not been a personal issue she has faced, she has been alongside many of her close friends in the fertility journey and feels passionate about supporting and praying for people who are.

    Alexia worked as a solicitor but is currently taking a career break. She lives in Surrey with her husband and two children. They attend Holy Trinity Church. After a long wait for her children, and as a previous attendee of this course during her own fertility treatment, she is passionate about this issue and this course reaching those going through a similar experience.

    Ike is the founder of a technology startup and lives in Liverpool with her husband, Kieran and two children. Having previously attended the Waiting for Children course, Ike found support and encouragement on her personal journey and is passionate about supporting other couples who are waiting for children.

    Abi is part of the team at HTB, heading up the production team. Abi is married to Stew who heads up the worship for HTB. They have a one year old son, Arthur, who came along after three years of trying to conceive. Abi is passionate about those who are trying to conceive thriving in that season of waiting.

  • We will send you (prior to the course start date):

    • details of how to join the Zoom call online for each live session

    • a PDF copy of the course handbook

    Your booking can be cancelled at any time, please contact us to do so.

    If you have any questions prior to the course, please contact courses@htb.org.

ā€œIt was really helpful; The couple who shared their story were brilliant. We appreciated the way they shared their faith as well as their prayer and thoughtfulness about the whole decision making process.ā€

ā€œThought-provoking. The couples addressed difficult topics sensitively and answered some very challenging questions. Very informative.ā€

ā€œWe were impressed and moved by the speakers and really inspired. It was comforting to hear their stories, encouragement and hope for the future.ā€