Sociologist tell us that one of the changes n the social aspects of humans in the last 25 years is an increasing desire to be interactive in social and educational situations. The rise of phone voting on TV shows, for instance, demonstrates the desire for networksto try to retain their audiences being lost to online entertainment by introducing interactive elements. But can worship be interactive?
Read MoreHumanising the "other"
Something about us as humans means it's easier to have compassion for those who are like us. And, correspondingly, it's harder to care about those who are different. Because Jesus calls us to rise above that 'tribal nature', resources which help to do that are super useful!
Read MoreGrowing Disciples 21C
If you are interested in having a stroll through the ideas of someone who has been working in the field of faith formation for a long time, and who has significant runs on the board of encouraging people towards discipleship then the blog of UCA Education specialist Craig Mitchell is a great place to start.
Read MoreFirst Communion for Children with Special Needs
Sue Hinderlider is a Pastoral Associate and Christian educator at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Johnson City, TN and in this article she shares a wealth of experience in the field of ministering with young people with special needs.
Read MoreFree Resources for Freedom Sunday
There are estimated to be between 21 and 30 million people caught in slavery in the world today - suffering cruel and brutal treatment in every part of the world. The Freedom Sunday resource has been designed for local churches and can be adapted for use in different contexts around the Anglican Communion...
Read MoreCOMING SOON – Big BIBLE360 news
You’ve already heard about the new modules in the BIBLE360 series coming your way. That’s Introduction to the Prophets and Exploring Anglican Spiritualities, in case you missed that news. Both of those are dynamite and manage to combine learning and personal faith growth material too.
But on the way is some big news about the expanded “360” family of learning experiences for your parishes.
Read MoreThought about Christian Meditation?
How much time do you spend a week being still? How much time in actual intentional prayer?
Maybe you’ve wondered about experimenting with Christian Meditation but didn’t know where to start...or maybe you enjoy it and could use some new resources?
Read MoreMarks of Mission conference
The Common Life Missions Conference looks like it will be a good one. I've heard of a few people from our diocese (Southern Queensland) who will be heading across, including people from ABM and others.
With more than 50 workshops focusing on all aspects of the Marks and keynote speakers from New Zealand, Ireland and more it'd be hard to come away feeling like you'd had anything other than a great learning experience.
Read MoreAbbey of the Arts
A website about contemplation, reflection and the expressive arts, Abbey of the Arts is staffed by experts in Christian spirituality.
With resources on offer both free and paid, the website is a treasure trove of programs, materials, videos and the like to enable us to get in touch with what might be a quieter side of our spirituality.
You can register for retreats here or even become part of a virtual online retreat. Wonder how that would work? Have a look and find out. It might just be possible!
New Lifelong Faith Journal - FREE!
You've heard me talk before about John Roberto's Lifelong Faith website. The new journal is out this week and features 82 pages of expert practitioner advice about parish faith formation in all its forms.
Find out more...
Read MoreChildren's Church - Yay or Nay?
How we construct our worship so that it enables people to interact with God and God's story is a vexed question these days. Is it better to worship with all ages together? Is it better to arrange for separate educational activities for the young which match the purpose of the sermon for adults, but in another location? Or are the arguments for such bi-locational worship more about expediency for the adults left behind?
Read MoreChurch of England launches resource on death and dying
The Church of England has launched a new resource to assist in ministry with issues of death and dying. Find out more here...
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New Youth Resources @ Roscoe
During the first quarter of the year, youth work has been an area the Roscoe Library at St Francis College has purchased widely in.These titles cover a broad spectrum and include general titles on youth work as well as specifically Christian resources. More detailed information on these resources can be found here.
Read MoreTraining in Christian Education
Ever wondered what drives great ideas for ministry across the ages? Knowing how Christian education works, what underpins it and how to do it better is a start! Jonathan Sargeant is coordinating Christian Education (THL366) next semester at St Francis Theological College. Find out more here...
Read MoreBelieve by Mumford and Sons
Something different this time around...the video for the latest Mumford and Sons song, "Believe".
It's a poetic articulation of the challenges facing belief for young people today. Worth a look. What do you think?
Read MoreLatest Pilgrim books available
The final two books in the Pilgrim: a course for the Christian journey series have been released.
Following the order of issues in the Catechism, the final two books are The Bible and Church and Kingdom. These use ...
Read MoreWeek of Prayer for Christian Unity resources
A message from Jela at Queensland Churches Together...
The theme of this year's Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (17-24 May) is - Jesus said to her, "Give me to drink". (John 4:7).
This year's resources feature...
Read MoreExplaining the Eucharist
Since the Eucharist is so central to what we do as Christians, it stands to reason that people in our pews should have a good understanding of what is going on as they participate, right?
This 24 page booklet aims to enable that good understanding.
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