Discussion Notes from Jonathan Clatworthy's Talk on Sunday 5th June 2011
We've just started a new four part Sunday morning series on evolution and its implications for the life of faith. Here are Jonathan's notes from the first of the series...
Read Moreby Guy Elsmore
I'm working on the liturgy for our special service this weekend when St Bride's marks the World Week of Prayer for Peace in Palestine and Israel. This photo received from Rani Bornatt, a teacher in our twin town of Bil'in, reminds us of how their regular non-violent demonstrations all too often turn out. Let us keep all those working for peace and justice in the Holy Land in our prayers.
Read MoreA Taste of Life in an Eco Spiritual Community
by Jon Jelfs
I had the opportunity recently to spend almost a week in an eco-spiritual community. I was attending the annual Convocation for Interfaith Ministers (one of my ‘hats’) which this year was held at the Findhorn Foundation Community Park in north east Scotland.
Read MoreRecently, as I have battled away with my dissertation (currently 13,000+ words out of the required 20.000, though it will be more by the time you read this) I have been struck by the similarities of my experiences during NaNoWriMo.
Read MoreI had the privilege a few weeks ago to be asked to participate in a radio debate panel for a radio station in Manchester called Gaydio. It is one of only 2 radio stations in the UK which broadcast specifically to the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) community. Our topic was a somewhat contentious one, sexuality and spirituality. This subject seems to be almost at the forefront of church, inter-church and interfaith discussions right across the globe. Can you be gay and christian or gay and Muslim, Buddhist or any other faith?
Read MoreI am finding jazz music a great metaphor for the spiritual life, having just returned from the Southport 'Jazz on a Winter's Weekend' festival.
Read MoreSometimes we read something and forget it pretty quickly. Sometimes we read something and it changes everything. A couple of years ago, I stumbled across an article by Mary Jo Bitner called 'Servicescapes: the impact of physical surroundings on customers and employees' that, most definitely, falls into the latter category.
Read MoreOne of the unexpected joys of spring cleaning the Church are the "finds" which take us back to another era. One such from yesterday is pictured here. A Fuzzy-Felt Bible story set, used by a long ago Sunday School.
Read MoreSt Bride's story is featured in a recently published book for Lesbian, Gay & Bisexual Christians, their families and their churches. "Living it Out" was described as a Godsend in a recent Church Times review and has been a best seller in Amazon's LGBT section. The book contains stories from individuals, families and churches and provides great resources for anyone seeking support.
Read Moreby Jon Jelfs One of the ways unity is experienced is through song. This morning I was playing and singing a song that goes: "Do you believe in the power of the music?" Some of us have been thinking about the extraordinary power of music whether it be in worship or other contexts.
Read MoreIn this week of Prayer for Christian Unity, is it too much to think that we might also pray for unity (or at least community) between faiths? Here's a quotation from Bede Griffiths.
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