Last Sunday, Dan talked about how he would respond to those who say "You don't need to be religious to be moral", highlighting some questions to dig a little deeper than the obvious answers. You can listen to the talk here. If you'd like to explore this topic further, here's some suggestions: Krish Kandiah "Faitheism" - an innovative look at how Christians and atheists can find common ground and have constructive debate Tim Keller "Making sense of God" - a thoughtful and well-argued case for why belief in God and Jesus still makes sense in our day and age Mark Clark "The problem of God" - similar to Keller's book - more punchy and less academic www.reasonablefaith.org/moral which includes this and other helpful videos
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It's wonderful to have buildings to meet in - but they do need looking after! We're like to appoint a buildings maintenance manager to help us look after St James', the Parish Hall and 133 Church Street. We anticipate the role might take around 5 hours a week (but more than than to start with), with the person sometimes being available during the working day to meet with potential contractors etc.
Here's an idea of what would be involved:
If you're interested in the role, please contact Theresa or one of the church wardens. Dan kicked off our "I could never be a Christian because ..." series yesterday by looking at how to respond to those who say " ... there are no gods."
You can listen to the sermon here. There are loads of books that deal with this topic, but here are some of the ones Dan delved into in his preparation, if you want to think about this topic further:
Big Church Day Out is an annual event held in the grounds of Wiston House in West Sussex, and this year it is on the 25th-26th May. Having been each year for several years, it is something to which my family an I look forward.
There is plenty of good music in several different locations. Even if an artist on the main stage is not to you taste you will no doubt find something you like in one of he other venues. Depending on how energetic you feel you can choose either to sit in a camping chair towards the back or if you prefer stand close to the stage and jump up and down with everyone else. One way or another you will get caught up in the worship almost without realising it. We go for the weekend camping from Friday evening until Monday morning, but it is also possible buy a day ticket for either the Saturday or the Sunday. If you've been before you will know what to expect, but if not I suggest watching this video showing highlights from last year. and of course take a look at the website. The cheapest way to buy tickets is by having a group, and as long as there are at least 10 people in the group the tickets will be cheaper than they would otherwise have been. To book tickets in the St James by the park group use this link: http://bcdo.group/2019/stjamesbythepark. Simon Clift writes: Jesus didn’t say, “Where 2 or 3 are gathered in my name, there will be disagreement” – but he might as well have done! Over the last 6 months, a group of 12 of us have met monthly to honestly face up to genuine disagreements Christians have on a range of important issues. We have looked at how we understand the Bible as God’s Word, sanctity of life issues, gender roles within the Church, the place of miracles, a pastoral responses to gender dysphoria and Christian involvement in politics. Over the sessions we have grown in our ability to think through the issues and articulate them in a respectful way and to listen to other people’s views. One member said, “I loved the group for "disagreeing well" and showing me that topics I have frequently looked at, still bear revisiting in a different context with different people for fresh insights. In depth discussion can bring me closer to God, both then and on later reflection.“ Another added, “One of the ways in which I hone my views on important issues is by listening to those whom I respect but who may have different opinions and this group provided a forum to facilitate this.” In a world which finds it increasingly hard to disagree well, here is an opportunity for us to model Christian grace and unity despite disagreement. As a group we would love to draw in others (especially from younger generations) who would also be interested in considering important contentious issues in an atmosphere of grace. Email me (SimonClift@doctors.org.uk) or speak to others you know who were part of the group if you are interested to find out more. “We have grown in our ability to articulate issues in a respectful way and to listen” |