This has been flying around facebook but it's worth posting it here, because, well, it's pretty good!
Note the suggestion to have families sit near the front of the church. That's nice since it takes into account the faith needs of the children, rather than place kid's stuff up the back, which suits some adults.
The Church Growth Research Programme in the UK is doing cutting edge into...well you can guess from the name of the project. It's quite good.
From Anecdote to Evidence: Findings from the Church Growth Research Programme 2011-2013 is the name of the report on everyone's lips and it'll be the subject of much discussion at our Diocesan Synod starting on Friday the 11th of July.
If you want an online copy, you can find it here...
Did you know:
“Find out how you can engage young people with the Bible; what’s working and what isn’t, and to get that other 99 to pick up a Bible. Bible Society’s Adrian Blenkinsop has pulled together a collection of essays for youth engagement with the Bible to help them, and their youth leaders, keep the faith.”
- See more or order at: http://www.biblesociety.org.au/genz
Pilgrim: a Course for the Christian Journey may just be the best thing since sliced bread. And that’s so even if you’re gluten free.
Developed by the Church of England and written by a number of practical theologians and rubber-hits-the-road experts, Pilgrim includes four books so far, each featuring six 60-90 minute sessions. Working through the ideas in our baptismal vows, the sessions feature everything you need to know if you are just starting out on the Christian journey.
But wait a minute: even if you’re an experienced traveler on that journey, this resource is useful too. The discussion questions are written so that anyone, at any stage on the Christian journey can be inspired and fed.
As well, each session includes online resources: a video clip with input from the book’s authors and an audio prayer reflection. The leader’s guide that rounds out the course’s materials is great, with ideas for each session and liturgical resources as well.
Here’s what the publishers say:
Pilgrim’s approach
It starts at the very beginning
Pilgrim assumes very little understanding or knowledge of the Christian faith.
It focuses on Jesus Christ
Pilgrim aims to equip people to follow Jesus Christ as disciples in the whole of their lives.
It flows from the Scriptures
The primary focus of each session is a group of people engaging with the Bible together.
It draws deeply from the Christian tradition
In the Early Church, the Christian faith was taught by the transmission of key texts which summed up the heart of the Christian message. Pilgrim restores this approach for the twenty-first century.
It honours the Anglican way and its many streams
Pilgrim has been developed as a specifically Anglican resource which aims to cater for every tradition in the Church of England.
All in all, this is a middle of the road kind of small group resource that any parish in our diocese could use, no matter where you sit on the theological spectrum.
The Cathedral bookshop will have the books in stock in late July./August but you can have a look at the real thing at the Roscoe Library, or delve into the materials at the UK website.
And what’s more, St Francis College will be offering regional training workshops for potential leaders of the Pilgrim course in the second half of the year. Contact Jonathan Sargeant if you’re interested in those and we’ll see where to hold them.
Seeing Star Wars as a child blew my mind. Not just the space battles and derring do but the idea that faith ideas could co-exist with that other stuff right up there on the screen. Ever since I've been interested in noticing the themes and moments when faith and the arts connect, whether that be in film, music, painting and even reality TV!
Dr Carol Hebron is an expert in this field. In fact she's just finished a PhD on the ways in which Judas has been portrayed on the Silver Screen. Her extensive reading and experience in the area of the Arts and faith makes her more than qualified to teach a subject at St Francis college in the coming semester called, "Theology, The Arts and Film.
Students have signed up for this subject as a part of their tertiary study and you can too. But you might also consider doing what we call "auditing" the subject. This means you can come to each lecture, participate fully, receive the readings and so on but not have to do any of the assessment, unless you want to. It does cost, but only a fraction of what the full cost usually is.
This class meets over a series of 12 Tuesday evenings: beginning Tuesday, 15 July 2014.
Find out more about the subject and how to sign up for auditing it by clicking on the big orange button...
TIME Magazine called him “one of the most formidable figures in the world of Christian thought.” Newsweek once labeled him “the world’s leading New Testament scholar.” His name is N.T. Wright, and he has just written a controversial book on the Bible.
Jonathan Merritt is senior columnist for Religion News Service and has just interviewed retired Anglican bishop, NT Wright on his new book, Surprised by Scripture: Engaging Contemporary Issues. In that work, Wright engages theological hot topics such as Darwinian evolution, whether Adam was a historical figure, and why he thinks the Bible makes space for women pastors.
The interview is a two parter and you can find the first half here.
In the second half of the interview, Wright discuses issues of homosexuality, science and gender. You can find that here.
This interview makes great fodder for conversation!
It's good news on the biblical front that Richard Pervo's new commentary on Luke is now available.
This volume completes the highly regarded Synoptic Gospels set in the scholars Bible series.
Here's what the critics are saying..
"Pervo writes with verve" - The Bible Today
"(Pervo's) wit and erudition make for pleasurable reading" - Anglican Theological Review
What prompted the anonymous author of Luke to edit his sources, Mark and Q, and retell the story of Jesus? Using the Scholars Version translation that is true to the everyday Greek of the gospel writers, Pervo explores the who, when, where, why, and how of the Gospel of Luke. Includes the Greek text, introduction, notes, and cross references.
IBelieve: reflections on our shared faith by Janet Dyke, Lakeside Publishing
As belief becomes increasingly individualised by our society, Janet Dyke’s new collection of studies represents a gentle call to something different: belief in community.
I Believe: reflections on our shared faith enables small groups to examine the Apostles Creed, that document of the early church that began to define the lines of demarcation between establishing Christianity and other off-shoots and faiths.
The slim book features seven sessions: Believe, Father, Christ, Ascend, Spirit, Forgive and Life. Each contains material to draw participants into a conversation with the text. There is some supporting historical material as well. Janet manages to offer this in a non-threatening way that nevertheless does not shy away from the big challenges that some of the ideas in the creed engender. Her questions for discussion are foundational, just right for a group finding its feet in the arena of belief. That she does so in a manner that will enable long time believers to answer and discuss at their own level is to her credit.
There’s a real knack here for connecting ancient ideas with present realities which is the secret of good small group faith formation material. Drawing on her own life experience brings a personal touch here and there which grounds the studies nicely.
In an age where individualism often brings loneliness, focusing on what binds us together is a vital task of the church. Ms Dyke has successfully helped us along that path.
You can order the book or find out more here
Jonathan Sargeant, Lay Education Officer, St Francis College
Have you thought about booking a BIBLE360 event for your parish? Or talking to the people in your parish who might make that happen? Contact Jonathan Sargeant to make it happen.
There are two options for your consideration:
First, the Introduction to the Bible workshop
This is a one-day introduction to the Bible for people of all ages and backgrounds.
It offers a place to start the adventure of reading the Bible or to pick up the journey again if it has been a while. The seminar provides:
You can download a brochure about the program here to find out more
On the other hand you might benefit from the Small Group Facilitation Workshop
This is a practical workshop on the purpose and process of Small Group Bible Studies for experienced and new leaders alike.
This all-day workshop (9.00am-4.30pm) helps equip current and new Small Group leaders with the practical skills and knowledge needed to facilitate a successful Small Group Bible Study. It is interactive in approach and covers the following areas:
Participants are encouraged to actively engage and apply key concepts to their local setting. Whilst the workshop focuses on Small Groups themselves, some approaches to growing a parish Small Group ministry is also covered.
To download the brochure for this program, click here.
Okay, has that caught your interest? If you have a question or would like to book an event use this form and we'll get back to you.
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On average, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians die 10–17 years younger than non-Indigenous Australians. Indigenous infant mortality is three times that of other Australians.
This is a reminder/request to register for the National Close the Gap Day Morning Tea next Thursday, 20 March at St Francis College. Funds raised will go towards the campaign to improve Indigenous health in Australia.
Register online for your ticket no later than Tuesday the 18th (and preferably much sooner!) ... this is essential for catering purposes. At that time, you can donate directly to Oxfam (a link is provided), or you can elect to make a donation on entry to the morning tea in Lecture Room 1 at 10:30 am.
At the morning tea there will be an opportunity to sign a petition and, all going well, our information pack will have arrived and we'll be able to view a short DVD.
Thank you in anticipation of your support.
Left it late to leap into Lent? Here's a resource for individual use that makes it easy to catch up...
The ABM “Lent 2014” App provides you with a reflection, prayer and action for every day of Lent, starting today!
This Lent you are invited to travel (virtually) around the world with ABM exploring the many facets of mission: reconciliation, building amity, loving our neighbour, embracing kindness, loving justice and walking a way of peace.
Over the 40 days of Lent the App will introduce you to some of ABM’s partners and how they are involved in making God’s love known upon earth, and what you can do to join them in mission.
Download the ABM Lent 2014 Smartphone App in the Apple and Android stores:
Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/lent-2014/id823229503?ls=1&mt=8
Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.abm.lent.app
It's a great cause for celebration that close to 1500 people have been involved with BIBLE360 events over the last 18 months. Whilst most of these have been involved with the 'Introduction to the Bible Workshop', there has also been great participation in the Small Group Seminar and other special teaching days. With planning now underway for 2014, we are now accepting expressions of interest from parishes, schools, and other agencies who would like to host a BIBLE360 event (either the 'Introduction to the Bible' or 'Small Group Facilitation' workshop) in 2014. If you are interested in hosting either of these seminars, please email adam@bible360.org.au with your contact details, a brief description of the facilities available, and three preferred dates.
With the end of the year fast approaching, there are now only two BIBLE360 Introduction to the Bible Workshops available for registration. The first seminar is on this Saturday at Lutwyche and registrations close soon, so register here. The last workshop for the year is at St Martin's House, specifically for the precinct staff (register here).
If you haven’t yet had the opportunity to attend one of our popular BIBLE360 ‘Introduction to the Bible’ Seminars (or know a friend who would love to come along), be sure to check the final events for 2013. These include Wondai (November 1), Lutwyche (November 9) and Brisbane (November 22, particularly for the Cathedral precinct). Please promote these in your parish and encourage people to register online.
Last month I highlighted a Bible resource called YouVersion (a simple, ad-free Bible for your phone, tablet, and computer). What you may not realise is that this app also includes several audio versions of the Bible. If you're someone who struggles to read or perhaps has regular commute time, an audio Bible may be perfect for you. The creators of the app recently shared some of the feedback they've received from people listening to audio Bibles:
“YouVersion allowed me to, for the first time, read the Bible cover to cover. I listened to a 1yr Bible plan in my car every day for a year. I consider it one of my most important life accomplishments.”—Andrew E.“Being able to listen to Scripture this year has been a lifeline. I could not have managed without it. Thank you!”—Charles L.
“I turn on the Bible App and put my phone in my hardhat so I can work and listen to the great book. TYVM for this app!”—Nicky
It is available on almost all platforms (Windows, Mac, Android, iPhone/iPad, and Blackberry) and will help you read and study the Bible, subscribe to Bible plans, and take the Bible with you wherever you go. For more information, visit the dedicated website.
If you haven't yet had the opportunity to attend one of our popular BIBLE360 'Introduction to the Bible' Seminars, we've just added some new dates and locations for October and November. These include Crows Nest (October 5), Wondai (November 1), Lutwyche (November 9) and Brisbane (November 22, particularly for the Cathedral precinct). Please promote these in your parish and encourage people to register online.
With over 100 million installations around the world, the YouVersion app is a simple, ad-free Bible for your phone, tablet, and computer. It is available on almost all platforms (Windows, Mac, Android, iPhone/iPad, and Blackberry) and will help you read and study the Bible, subscribe to Bible plans, and take the Bible with you wherever you go. For more information, visit the dedicated website.
St Francis Theological College is hosting a free training seminar for Accordance Bible software on Saturday, 14 September. The seminar will be presented by Dr Ken Simpson, the Australian demonstrator for Accordance. The seminar will include an introduction to Accordance for new users, training on more advanced features, and a parallel session in the afternoon for people interested in using this powerful software for their personal Bible study, or for parish education programs. There is no cost to attend this seminar, but participants are asked to register online at least one week before at: seminar@accordancebible.com.
If you’re interested in learning more about the Old Testament then this free resource might be of interest to you. Split into 24 different lectures (by Professor Christine Hayes), the audio and video for this course from Yale University is available free of charge online. The lectures are easy to follow and provide a detailed introduction to the Old Testament.
This course examines the Old Testament (Hebrew Bible) as an expression of the religious life and thought of ancient Israel, and a foundational document of Western civilization. A wide range of methodologies, including source criticism and the historical-critical school, tradition criticism, redaction criticism, and literary and canonical approaches are applied to the study and interpretation of the Bible. Special emphasis is placed on the Bible against the backdrop of its historical and cultural setting in the Ancient Near East.
Access the course through the Open Yale website.
I'm passionate about small groups. Aside from the research that indicates numerous benefits individually and as a church, I know from my own experience - as a minister and a psychologist - the positive effects that small groups can have. There are certainly potential problems, but these can be alleviated with good quality facilitation. To help in this endeavour, I've developed two models that aim to bring clarity to the purpose of small groups and excellence in small group process (model shown below). 
Small Group Purpose is a descriptive model that helps facilitators and participants more consciously identify the reasons for their group’s existence. Note that a group does not need to cover every component; but it could. What is more likely is that particular groups will more strongly identify with some aspects over others (e.g., they may have a particularly strong emphasis on study relative to the other components). It is not important to achieve a ‘high’ score in each area, because they will not necessarily be of of equal importance.
If you currently facilitate a group, think about how you might describe the purpose of your group with reference to these areas. Is there an emphasis on particular areas? Are some areas only minimally related to the purpose of your group? Remember: it is not necessary for every group to cover every component. Three questions are of prime importance however:
Small Group Process is a practical model that helps groups and facilitators improve the processes of their small group. Unlike the previous model, facilitators should be seeking to excel in each of the process areas (they are skill sets, not individual skills). Many of these components often receive minimal attention, with most effort concentrated on the time actually spent in the small group (i.e., the ‘running’ component).
Keeping in mind that facilitators should aim to excel in each of these areas, which are your particular strengths or weaknesses? What are the key priorities for development?
Remember that these models are primarily designed to help you focus the purpose of your group and improve its processes. By keeping in mind the five areas of purpose and process, you can continuously reflect on the status of the group and how continuous improvements can be made.