‘Mystery worshippers’ could soon be visiting churches to evaluate the effectiveness of their outreach and welcome. Following a successful trial in the Midlands, researchers are now looking at developing a resource which would see non-church-going professional researchers secretly visit churches to assess their strengths and weaknesses. The research trial was organised by Christian Research and Christian Resources Exhibition to highlight areas where churches are doing well, and to identify how they can better meet people’s needs. Christian Research is conducting further research into the costs involved and predicted that a national programme could be in place from May.
Source: The Baptist Times (28/2)
http://www.baptisttimes.co.uk/news1.htm
Friday, 29 February 2008
Wednesday, 27 February 2008
Methodist delight at decision to drop the supercasino
I am very relieved to hear that there will be no supercasino built, especially in Manchester, which has enough temptations for the young and those who are easily led. Even without a supercasino, a young man whom I know is still struggling to cope after getting into terrible debt through gambling in that city. As always, the Methodist Church warns people, especially the young, to avoid gambling. This is part of its recent official statement:-
"The Methodist Church welcomes today’s Government announcement that they will not grant a supercasino licence. Proposals for supercasinos, also known as regional casinos, have been strongly opposed by The Methodist Church.
"Alison Jackson, Team Leader for Public Issues in the Methodist Church, said “we are delighted to hear that the Government is not intending to grant a licence for a supercasino. We are pleased that the Government has listened to reason and decided against building a massive gambling complex with unlimited jackpot fruit machines in a deprived area. The Methodist Church calls on the Government to support other ways of regenerating those communities most in need.”
"The Methodist Church will continue to monitor the impact of the 16 new large and small casinos that will now open as planned. The Church will keep pressure on the government and the industry to do all they can to protect players and support people who have a gambling problem."
"The Methodist Church welcomes today’s Government announcement that they will not grant a supercasino licence. Proposals for supercasinos, also known as regional casinos, have been strongly opposed by The Methodist Church.
"Alison Jackson, Team Leader for Public Issues in the Methodist Church, said “we are delighted to hear that the Government is not intending to grant a licence for a supercasino. We are pleased that the Government has listened to reason and decided against building a massive gambling complex with unlimited jackpot fruit machines in a deprived area. The Methodist Church calls on the Government to support other ways of regenerating those communities most in need.”
"The Methodist Church will continue to monitor the impact of the 16 new large and small casinos that will now open as planned. The Church will keep pressure on the government and the industry to do all they can to protect players and support people who have a gambling problem."
Monday, 25 February 2008
ECG - EQUIPPING CALLING GOING - 25-30 MARCH 2008
I have been asked to invite others to join the (at present small) team of stewards for
ECG THE CONFERENCE - AN EVENT FOR ALL AGES
TO ENVISION, EQUIP & ENABLE RADICAL MISSION & DISCIPLESHIP
The Stewarding coordinator writes - "If you know of any one else who might be available to Steward please let me know. I might be able to work a deal if needed."
He can be contacted on jwlecass@aol.com
ECG THE CONFERENCE - AN EVENT FOR ALL AGES
TO ENVISION, EQUIP & ENABLE RADICAL MISSION & DISCIPLESHIP
The Stewarding coordinator writes - "If you know of any one else who might be available to Steward please let me know. I might be able to work a deal if needed."
He can be contacted on jwlecass@aol.com
GOING DIGITAL
May I draw your attention to the following post copied, as requested, from Tony Miles' blog Maybe2day concerning 'searching for values in the New Media environment'.
Tony is on the planning committee for the Churches' Media Conference. He writes:-
"The digital revolution has arrived. IPTV, social networking, blogging, gaming and mobile technology are changing all the rules. New platforms create new possibilities. Fresh expectations from audiences demand new ways of working from producers and communicators.
"This year’s Churches’ Media Conference will equip you to find your way through the digital jungle. There will be keynote sessions on convergence, media ethics, social networking, new initiatives in faith broadcasting.
"We will also have challenging questions to face; who is setting the values agenda for tomorrow’s media? Does Public Service Broadcasting mean anything in the new media environment? Is Religious Broadcasting coming to an end - or is it ripe for transformation?
Thankfully we have an outstanding range of contributors to help us. They include senior programme-makers like former Newsnight editor Tim Gardam, technology experts like the BBC’s Rory Cellan-Jones, and leading thinkers like David Wilkinson, James Hanvey, Julian Baggini and Bishop Nick Baines.
"We’ve also created even better opportunities to meet and work with colleagues from your particular media sector.
"Of course there will also be time to network and relax. I’m delighted that BBC Radio 4’s Milton Jones will with us. I truly believe he may be the funniest man in Britain.
"The conference will take place from Monday 9th - Wednesday 11th June 2008 at the Hayes Conference Centre, Derbyshire. For more information about the conference and to book your place please click here www.churchesmediacouncil.org.uk/conference
"If you don’t have a password just register on the site.
"The Churches’ Media Conference 2008 provides a unique opportunity for media professionals and faith leaders to engage in a lively debate about the challenges of the digital future. Please would you help us get the word out by forwarding this email to anyone you know who may be interested in joining us."
Tony is on the planning committee for the Churches' Media Conference. He writes:-
"The digital revolution has arrived. IPTV, social networking, blogging, gaming and mobile technology are changing all the rules. New platforms create new possibilities. Fresh expectations from audiences demand new ways of working from producers and communicators.
"This year’s Churches’ Media Conference will equip you to find your way through the digital jungle. There will be keynote sessions on convergence, media ethics, social networking, new initiatives in faith broadcasting.
"We will also have challenging questions to face; who is setting the values agenda for tomorrow’s media? Does Public Service Broadcasting mean anything in the new media environment? Is Religious Broadcasting coming to an end - or is it ripe for transformation?
Thankfully we have an outstanding range of contributors to help us. They include senior programme-makers like former Newsnight editor Tim Gardam, technology experts like the BBC’s Rory Cellan-Jones, and leading thinkers like David Wilkinson, James Hanvey, Julian Baggini and Bishop Nick Baines.
"We’ve also created even better opportunities to meet and work with colleagues from your particular media sector.
"Of course there will also be time to network and relax. I’m delighted that BBC Radio 4’s Milton Jones will with us. I truly believe he may be the funniest man in Britain.
"The conference will take place from Monday 9th - Wednesday 11th June 2008 at the Hayes Conference Centre, Derbyshire. For more information about the conference and to book your place please click here www.churchesmediacouncil.org.uk/conference
"If you don’t have a password just register on the site.
"The Churches’ Media Conference 2008 provides a unique opportunity for media professionals and faith leaders to engage in a lively debate about the challenges of the digital future. Please would you help us get the word out by forwarding this email to anyone you know who may be interested in joining us."
Sunday, 24 February 2008
'In the midst of life ......'
This evening I waited for a friend to come in his car to pick me up to go to evening worship together - and I waited...... He is usually so punctual that I decided that he must have told me that he wouldn't be coming tonight and, as time was getting on, I called a taxi.
I have just had a phone call from my Minister to tell me that our friend passed away suddenly at 3.30 this afternoon! He was in church this morning, looking very well and singing lustily in all the hymns (as he always did), so we are all very shocked to hear this sad news - sad for us who will miss him, but a wonderful way to go for him.
It will be a dreadful shock for his daughter and her husband (who since September, newly returned from Kenya where they were Mission Partners, has been the Minister of our Tilehurst Church) and his young grandchildren who are all away on holiday at present.
All in all it has been quite a Sunday! This morning's congregation included a former Deacon and his wife and a couple who (with their family) were stalwarts of the church years ago before they moved to the West Country. I said to them 'It must be 40 years since I had your children in Sunday School' and got the reply 'More than that!' Two of the 'children', married by now, are living in America and Cyprus! There were also a number of people who needed to talk about their own health problems or those of their family, so the after-service coffee time was the busiest I've been for some time.
So it has been a Sunday in which I have experienced most of the emotions!
I have just had a phone call from my Minister to tell me that our friend passed away suddenly at 3.30 this afternoon! He was in church this morning, looking very well and singing lustily in all the hymns (as he always did), so we are all very shocked to hear this sad news - sad for us who will miss him, but a wonderful way to go for him.
It will be a dreadful shock for his daughter and her husband (who since September, newly returned from Kenya where they were Mission Partners, has been the Minister of our Tilehurst Church) and his young grandchildren who are all away on holiday at present.
All in all it has been quite a Sunday! This morning's congregation included a former Deacon and his wife and a couple who (with their family) were stalwarts of the church years ago before they moved to the West Country. I said to them 'It must be 40 years since I had your children in Sunday School' and got the reply 'More than that!' Two of the 'children', married by now, are living in America and Cyprus! There were also a number of people who needed to talk about their own health problems or those of their family, so the after-service coffee time was the busiest I've been for some time.
So it has been a Sunday in which I have experienced most of the emotions!
Tuesday, 19 February 2008
BBC1's 'The Passion'
BBC1's The Passion is expected to make a huge national impact.
The Passion series which tells the story of the last week of Jesus' life, his trial and crucifixion starts on Palm Sunday 16 March and will be scheduled in peak time on BBC1. It is likely to attract audiences in excess of 10 million. The last episode, to be broadcast on Easter Sunday 23 March, dramatises Jesus' post-resurrection appearances.
Andrew Graystone, Director of the Churches' Media Council, was profoundly moved by early versions of the series. "This is an extremely vivid piece of drama. You feel you are right there, in amongst the Passover crowds, alongside the disciples as Jesus comes out with these simple but earth-shattering messages. And then of course, he's taken away and makes the ultimate sacrifice, and like the disciples, you're left to decide what you are going to do about it."
A multi-denominational group convened by the Churches' Media Council launched a website to provide resources and information about the series. The group is encouraging the Christian community to seize this "golden opportunity to contribute to a contemporary public discussion about Jesus." Christian leaders have been invited to a preview screening of the series. Meanwhile, a panel of speakers has been formed to contribute to national press, radio and TV discussions.
The Passion website has ideas to help local churches prepare for the series and can be found at:
www.churchesmediacouncil.org.uk/passion
The Passion series which tells the story of the last week of Jesus' life, his trial and crucifixion starts on Palm Sunday 16 March and will be scheduled in peak time on BBC1. It is likely to attract audiences in excess of 10 million. The last episode, to be broadcast on Easter Sunday 23 March, dramatises Jesus' post-resurrection appearances.
Andrew Graystone, Director of the Churches' Media Council, was profoundly moved by early versions of the series. "This is an extremely vivid piece of drama. You feel you are right there, in amongst the Passover crowds, alongside the disciples as Jesus comes out with these simple but earth-shattering messages. And then of course, he's taken away and makes the ultimate sacrifice, and like the disciples, you're left to decide what you are going to do about it."
A multi-denominational group convened by the Churches' Media Council launched a website to provide resources and information about the series. The group is encouraging the Christian community to seize this "golden opportunity to contribute to a contemporary public discussion about Jesus." Christian leaders have been invited to a preview screening of the series. Meanwhile, a panel of speakers has been formed to contribute to national press, radio and TV discussions.
The Passion website has ideas to help local churches prepare for the series and can be found at:
www.churchesmediacouncil.org.uk/passion
Saturday, 16 February 2008
Treasures of Darkness
On Tuesday I went to Sarum College, Salisbury, for the penultimate day of the course on spirituality that I am studying there. It is entitled 'The Heart of the Divine' and has been taking us on a spiritual journey which began with the Desert Fathers of the 4th Century (which left a deep impression on me). Since then it has helped us to experience many different forms of worship through the study of the spiritual life of Christians through the ages since then.
Our day always begins with a short but important session in small groups each with one of the tutors. In our group, the tutor encourages us to sum up our own personal spiritual journey in the weeks since we last met. We have come to value this means of grace in which there is a real deep sharing of the way in which what we have been learning has permeated and anchored our lives.
This week we began with a lecture on 'The Cloud of the Unknowing' and Dame Julian of Norwich, though there was so much about 'The Cloud' that we were left eagerly wanting to know more about Julian of Norwich. We were encouraged to satisfy our hunger by reading the books (on both subjects) listed for us. The next lecture was entitled 'The Harvest of Life' and dealt with the spirituality of ageing. By listing the pluses and minuses of ageing, our tutor creatively led us to evaluate all life's experiences so that our spirtuality can deepen with age.
Next came 'Worship in the Dark Night Tradition' in the College Chapel, focussing on 'It is your face, Lord, that I seek'. Our worship began and ended with our singing 'I will give you the treasures of darkness and riches hidden in secret places, so that you may know that it is I, the LORD, the God of Israel, who calls you by your name.' Our prayers had a response 'Lord, show us the riches in the divine darkness beyond our knowing.' I found this worship a very moving experience, which was summed up by the poem 'The Dark Night' by St. John of the Cross in which he uses the image of darkness to express an experience of God which cannot truly be grasped by our human senses or through the limitations of human language -
1. One dark night
Fired with love's urgent longings
Ah the sheer grace
In the darkness
I went out unseen
My house being all now still
2. In the darkness
Secured by love's secret ladder
Disguised oh the sheer grace
In the darkness
And in my concealment
My house being all now still
3. On that glad night
In the secret, for no one saw me
Nor did I see any other thing at all
With no other light to guide me
Than the light burning in my heart
4. And this light guided me more surely
Than the light of the noon
To where he lay waiting for me
Him I knew so well
In a place where no one else appeared
5. Oh guiding night
A light more lovely than the dawn
A night that has united
Ever now the Lover with his beloved
Transforming two now into one
6. Upon my flowering breast
There he lay sleeping
Which I kept for him alone
And I embraced him
And I caressed him
In a breeze blowing from the forest
7. And when this breeze blew in from the forest
Blowing back our hair
He wounded my soul with his gentle hand
Suspending all my senses
8. Laying my face on my Beloved
All things ceasing
I went out from myself
To leave my cares forgotten
With the lilies of the field
[If you haven't read it, I urge you to read John Hall's book 'In the Beginning there was darkness' which, in a different way, helps the reader to experience the treasures of darkness.]
Our day ended with the experience of Quaker Worship Sharing, followed by an open session in which we discussed our reactons to what we had learned that day.
Our day always begins with a short but important session in small groups each with one of the tutors. In our group, the tutor encourages us to sum up our own personal spiritual journey in the weeks since we last met. We have come to value this means of grace in which there is a real deep sharing of the way in which what we have been learning has permeated and anchored our lives.
This week we began with a lecture on 'The Cloud of the Unknowing' and Dame Julian of Norwich, though there was so much about 'The Cloud' that we were left eagerly wanting to know more about Julian of Norwich. We were encouraged to satisfy our hunger by reading the books (on both subjects) listed for us. The next lecture was entitled 'The Harvest of Life' and dealt with the spirituality of ageing. By listing the pluses and minuses of ageing, our tutor creatively led us to evaluate all life's experiences so that our spirtuality can deepen with age.
Next came 'Worship in the Dark Night Tradition' in the College Chapel, focussing on 'It is your face, Lord, that I seek'. Our worship began and ended with our singing 'I will give you the treasures of darkness and riches hidden in secret places, so that you may know that it is I, the LORD, the God of Israel, who calls you by your name.' Our prayers had a response 'Lord, show us the riches in the divine darkness beyond our knowing.' I found this worship a very moving experience, which was summed up by the poem 'The Dark Night' by St. John of the Cross in which he uses the image of darkness to express an experience of God which cannot truly be grasped by our human senses or through the limitations of human language -
1. One dark night
Fired with love's urgent longings
Ah the sheer grace
In the darkness
I went out unseen
My house being all now still
2. In the darkness
Secured by love's secret ladder
Disguised oh the sheer grace
In the darkness
And in my concealment
My house being all now still
3. On that glad night
In the secret, for no one saw me
Nor did I see any other thing at all
With no other light to guide me
Than the light burning in my heart
4. And this light guided me more surely
Than the light of the noon
To where he lay waiting for me
Him I knew so well
In a place where no one else appeared
5. Oh guiding night
A light more lovely than the dawn
A night that has united
Ever now the Lover with his beloved
Transforming two now into one
6. Upon my flowering breast
There he lay sleeping
Which I kept for him alone
And I embraced him
And I caressed him
In a breeze blowing from the forest
7. And when this breeze blew in from the forest
Blowing back our hair
He wounded my soul with his gentle hand
Suspending all my senses
8. Laying my face on my Beloved
All things ceasing
I went out from myself
To leave my cares forgotten
With the lilies of the field
[If you haven't read it, I urge you to read John Hall's book 'In the Beginning there was darkness' which, in a different way, helps the reader to experience the treasures of darkness.]
Our day ended with the experience of Quaker Worship Sharing, followed by an open session in which we discussed our reactons to what we had learned that day.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
+-+Olive+(4).jpg)