Doing some research into resources for preparation for Confirmation, I was reminded of this project a number of us worked on a little while back. Developed by a group of Brisbane Anglicans, this series of engaging and thought provoking videos exploring...
Read MorePriests, need a weekend off from preaching?
Well I hope that headline caught your attention.
I just wanted to highlight for parishes in the Anglican Diocese, Southern Queensland that one of the services I can offer you is...
Read MoreHabits for your Heart
Something revolutionary is happening in the Anglican schools in our diocese....
Read MoreFlourishing: Why We Need Religion in a Globalized World
"More than almost anything else, globalization and the great world religions are shaping our lives... In this perceptive, deeply personal, and beautifully written book, a leading theologian sheds light on how religions and globalization have historically interacted and argues for what their relationship ought to be. And the answer may surprise you!"
Read MoreBeing more welcoming...
Most congregations would think and believe themselves to be welcoming. Whilst this may be true to a degree, it depends on one's definition of welcome. Are many congregations who think that they are welcoming just being friendly or superficially welcoming?
Read MoreGod with us, again...
Amidst our busy-ness we celebrate Jesus, God-with-us, entering our day to day lives once again. He comes to free us, to enliven us, to save us from the humdrum.
He comes to re-focus us on what's important: Loving God and loving others!
Read MoreGrowing as families
The research tells us that the best indicator that faith will grow in young people is if faith is a part of daily life in the family. And for families to thrive so that faith can be passed on, the Search Institute has noted five essential actions that lead to a nurturing family life. Following my logic? If we work on these fiver actions, we create the fertile soil where issues of depth can be a part of day-to-day life.
Read MoreJust Pray Campaign
Bishop Stephen Cottrell spent much of his recent visit here talking about prayer as the central skill Christians should work on in order to bring new life to the church. This campaign gives you some tools to get working on this in your parishes.
Read MoreJust Pray...
You might have come across the controversy surrounding this new video which launches the Just Pray campaign in England. Apparently someone in charge thought it would be offensive to have this add played during sessions of the new Star Wars film that opens around the world on the 18th of December.
Read MoreHallelujah at Christmas
Leonard Cohen's great song 'Hallelujah' has taken on a life of its own these days. It's likely you've never hear his version because so many people have performed it since!
Here's a young artist who performs as Cloverton with a version of the song that features Christmas-focused lyrics.
Read MoreStar News Bethlehem
St Pauls Church in Auckland, NZ have a great history of releasing innovative videos to celebrate the birth of Jesus. This example is actually from a year or two ago but would be terrific to show at a crib or children's service this Christmas.
Read MoreNew books about St Francis
Celebrating St. Francis through Learning
The feast of Saint Francis of Assisi was celebrated on October 4th. While many churches host animal blessingsSt. Francis Day is also an opportunity for study and education.
Faith in action: The People's Climate March
Dear Friends,
Will you join us to create a vibrant Anglican presence at the People’s Climate March on Saturday 28th November? Find out more...
Read MoreAre Religious Children kinder?
Does faith make our children kinder and more generous?
This article from The Guardian highlights research that says....(find out more)
Read MoreNew ways of thinking about Leadership
Forbes magazine has created this video that highlights thinking about leadership using scenes from the popular cinematic series, of films, Star Wars.
Read MoreWant to help people understand Anglican Christianity?
Launched now at www.formedfaith.org is the new Exploring Anglican Identity material.
Archbishop Phillip is the star of five short videos, each dealing with a different aspect of Anglican identity. Each video has discussion questions aimed at provoking conversation, whether you use them at a confirmation class, a bible study/other small group or even play one a week at morning tea after church. Archbishop Phillip has summed up nuanced ideas concisely and with humour.
Read MoreAustralians Together
Australians Together is a fresh approach to building relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians that seeks to plant a seed in peoples’ hearts and minds; the idea that Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians can live in respectful, peer relationships with each other.
Read More63 of the best church websites of 2015
What does your church website say about your parish? It's an interesting exercise to approach your website as a newcomer and make a list of things you'd learn if that was your first exposure... Pro Church Tools has just released what it considers to be the best Church websites of 2015 and it's interesting to glance through. Why?
Read MoreResources for conversations across faiths
As the world becomes more pluralistic there are two or more responses we can make. We can draw back into our turtle shells, put fingers in our ears and pretend its not happening or... we can begin conversations within and beyond our communities to discover ways forward in peace.
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!
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