The Archbishop of Canterbury has written a detailed response to the 138 Muslim scholars who have begun a debate about Islam, Christianity and the World often called 'A common Word' between Us and You'. This will be a significant document for all churches and Christians to consider:
www.archbishopofcanterbury.org/media/word/2/j/A_Common_Word_for_the_Common_Good.doc
Dave Wiles has pointed me to page reference for the above paper which calls on churches to make 2009 a special year for young people and challenges local churches to spend 25% on young people - especially the marginalised. With this specific page reference I'll delete yesterday's post on Evangelism UK and leave this one up. Thanks Dave.
One Way UK have developed the network of providing workshops for puppet ministry in various parts England, Scotland and Wales. below is a list of where they plan to be in the Autumn. (PS Although I have put it under category of 'children' I know the work is for all ages! Jim)
Jo Foster phoned yesterday to tell us about the Chrysalis Arts Trust based in Chesham, with various items of news. One is that Fiona Castle has agreed to be their Patron, the other is that they are available to play for 'first step' evangelistic events. You can hear sample music and see pictures on their website:
Jane Holloway has sent out the latest GDOP news which collates various stories of GDOP from around the world. Linked with this, but from the post this morning, Jonothan Oloyede and Tim Dakin of CMS have announced a local partnership in UK linked to GDOP London and CMS Prayerlines network to encourgae prayer further.
The latest Theos e newsletter highlights a current debate about whether the Christian faith and church is marginalised, to quote a recent report from the Von Hugel institute for the Church of England, when 71% of the population at the last census described themselves as Christian. Join the debate at:
http://www.theosthinktank.co.uk/mainnav/the-current-debate.aspx
Fritha Wheela in the latest Hope 08 e newsleter says they have new links and information for local Hope 08 initiatives and people who want and need advice about contacting their local media. See:
Brixton Baptist church are hosting a day conference about gun crime on Saturday 12th July. Hosted by the Baptist Union of GB and the Ascension Trust, it will look at issues during the day, pray, and hold a Gospel concert in the evening. See:
http://www.baptist.org.uk/training_events/bitethebullet.html
Helen Wordsworth points us to the radio program which explored Parish Nursing as part of the series on the 60th anniversary of the NHS. Parish Nursing is an outreach initiative of trained nurses who through local churches. The podcast link is:
http://downloads.bbc.co.uk/podcasts/wales/atc/atc_20080706-0905.mp3
The Authentic media newsletter announced two books which are particularly relevant for the evangelism network. 'Soul Purpose' by J John is for new Christians grappling with questions of faith, and 'Church Unplugged' by Dave Male is looking at how accessable the Christian community might be in the twenty first century.
http://www.authenticmedia.co.uk/AuthenticSite/cm/releases_books_july08.htm
