CHRISTIAN THEOLOGY IN THE MIDST OF COVID-19 https://unsplash.com/@thecreative_exchange COVID-19 changed our lives suddenly and dramatically. As the crisis unfolded, immediate responses at individual, community, national and international levels naturally focussed on the actions needed to treat the sick, limit the spread of the infection and bring it under control, care for those who were particularly vulnerable, manage the economic impact of the pandemic, and so forth. At the same time, many people’s time and energy were consumed by sudden and major changes to working and domestic life, combined with the personal impact of the pandemic on them and their loved ones. For … [Read more...]
Prayer among the Pandemic, with Podcasts
Pandemics and Plagues have been part of the Christian story from the beginning. Discover some podcasts which talk of Catherine of Sienna, Julian of Norwich and Sor Juana Inez de la Cruz and many others, and learn how they coped in times of plague and sickness. Catherine of Siena Catherine of Siena was born a year before the Black Death Much of Catherine of Siena’s life was defined by sickness and plagues. The future saint was born in 1347. The next year, the Black Death began—an epidemic that killed more than 20 million people over the next five years. Despite growing up surrounded by death, Catherine was unafraid. When a plague struck again less than two decades later, the … [Read more...]
Break the Silence Sunday
22 November 2020 Break the Silence Sunday is the church's commitment to speak out against violence in our families, homes, community and society at large. These service resources and suggested readings have been prepared by the members of the Christian Network - Talanoa and commended to the Fiji Council of Churches for their use. All churches are invited to use them. The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence runs from November 25 – the UN International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women to December 10 – International Human Rights Day. It is a global campaign to focus our efforts towards working to eliminate violence against women in our … [Read more...]
Gender Based Violence -16 Days of Activism
photo by Melanie Wasser, Unsplash 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence Campaign by the Christian Network – Talanoa The Most Reverend Dr. Winston Halapua, former Archbishop for the Diocese of Polynesia). Domestic violence, sexual offences, bullying, harassment and any kind of abuse are criminal acts against humanity and a violation of the rights of women and children. The Christian Network – Talanoa is an alliance of ecumenical partners and individuals convened by House of Sarah (HoS) of the Anglican Diocese of Polynesia in 2013 to talk with each other, share information and take collaborative actions to address violence against … [Read more...]
Hold us close in your arms
photo: Anne Nygard, Unsplash A Covid-19 liturgy for young people. Lesley Mouat, Chaplain at St Matthew's, Masterton, prepared DIY chapel services for students at home during the lockdown, and sent them out through their school app. Be sure to watch the video! Put yourself into a space where you can be still and quiet for 5 to 10 minutes. If your parents will allow – light a candle (please remember to put it out carefully before you leave your chapel service) and settle into silence for a moment. A Pilgrim Song 131 God, I’m not trying to rule the roost, I don’t want to be king of the mountain.I haven’t meddled where I have no … [Read more...]
Are you looking for spirited, wise women of passion and compassion?
This easy-to-use book has strong feminist imagery and references focused on wom-en of the Bible. Updated and expanded, it now provides reflections on Tamar, Di-nah, Naomi, Michal, Vashti, Jephthah’s Daughter, Lenna Button, Susanna Wesley and Ann Turner to use in church during the sermon slot. Includes prayers & dialogues. Buy it here Rosalie Reynolds Sugrue is a fifth generation West Coaster. A wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and author, Rosalie is a retired teacher, and has also worked as a psychiatric nurse and motellier. She has been active in Jaycees, the Methodist Women’s Fellowship, the Community of Women and Men in Church and Society, National Council of … [Read more...]
Life in the time of Covid-19
Our life has its seasons, and God has the reasons, Why spring follows winter, and new leaves grow for there’s a connection With our resurrection That flowers will bud after frost and snow, So there’s never a time to stop believing, there’s never a time for hope to die, there’s never a time to stop loving, these three things go on. There’s a time to be hurting, a time to be plucking, A time to be saving, a time to spend, A time to be grieving, a time to be dancing, A time for beginning, a time to end, But there’s never a time to stop believing, there’s never a time for hope to die, there’s never a time to stop loving, These three things go on. Shirley Murray Words by … [Read more...]
Act Walk Love
This is what the living God asks of you: Only this,to act justly - to love tenderly - to walk humbly with your GodMicah 6:8 If you often find yourself searching for a prayer and Bible reading for a meeting or prayer group, or just for yourself, this book will be a gift. Each two page spread contains a theme, a gathering invitation to ‘sit quietly in the presence of God’, a short Bible passage, a reflection for ‘breaking open the word’, some questions for responding, and a blessing. Printed with generous white space and a wonderful variety of art and photos, this book could both extend and deepen your liturgical resource kit. More information and ordering for $20 .00 on … [Read more...]
