Search results for .ovi
Ashers #Everyone Wins
It’s been a long time coming, but finally we have the icing on the cake. A decision from the Supreme Court that reminds us of the importance of freedom of conscience, belief and expression for everyone. Ashers took issue with the message on the cake, not the customer and the Supreme Court has…
The Good Friday Agreement- 20 Years On
20 years ago today, the people of Northern Ireland voted on the Good Friday Agreement in a referendum. A few weeks ago, to coincide with the 20th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, we asked three local MLA'S from across the political spectrum, to reflect on the impact of the agreement.…
Debt – the unwelcome guest this Christmas
Furlough, income reduction, job losses have all taken their toll on so many. The recent collapse of Debenhams and Arcadia, put a further 25,000 jobs at risk on top of the thousands of jobs already hanging by a thread. The number of unemployed over-50s has increased by a third in a year, according…
Emma Jackson
How to plan student mission for 2021
There has never been a better time for churches to pioneer new ways of reaching students with the good news of Jesus. 2020 has presented us with an opportunity to share the hope of Jesus in fresh ways, and we can’t lose this momentum as we head into 2021. Over the last few months, we’ve seen…
Viki Seithel
Barriers to entry, and participation
So much in church ministry and worship has changed since that gathering; and these changes, caused by the coronavirus pandemic, have brought to the fore Christians with disabilities or additional needs and their access to church life. Accessibility has long been a challenge for the church. One…
Naomi Osinnowo
Oh come, let's sing to the Lord
The Lord Himself expresses delight over His people in song (Zephaniah 3:17) and Jesus sang hymns with His disciples (Matthew 26:30). The whole of creation bursts forth in song to the glory of God, from the mountains, fields and trees on the earth (Isaiah 55:12; Psalm 65:13; 1 Chronicles 16:33) to…
Dr Rebecca Uberoi
Five ways to worship God as a family
The incredible news is that God hasn’t changed, and although church may look different, parents have an amazing opportunity to help their children worship God in everyday moments of life. Paul reminds us in Colossians 3:16-17 that worship is so much more than singing; it’s about giving thanks to…
Claire Burton
NOW CLOSED: Review of gambling laws announced
The Act covers a wide range of policies, with regulations on casinos, gaming machines, advertising and more, but understandably fails to factor in the technological advances that have taken place in the last decade. In 2005 no one could predict the prevalence of social media and smartphones, which…
Being Human S2E04
The COVID-19 pandemic has restricted so many of our personal liberties and limited our daily choices. Does that mean we are no longer free? Join hosts Peter and Jo in this week’s episode of Being Human as we look at a foundational God story of what it means to have freedom. The great novelists…
When you feed the least of these, you feed me
Christmas is acknowledged worldwide, and everything points to a positive, happy time – a season to look forward to. It’s not surprising then that most people associate Christmas with family, friends, exchanging gifts and enjoying a festive meal together. But, for some people, this is not the…
Tinuke Akinbulumo
Boundless and unlimited
Lockdown has shown me that our vision to be whole-life disciples has never been more important, and that church, discipleship and worship must be able to continue from home. It’s been challenging at times, and this whole experience has reminded me that we’re made to be in community; we need those…
Rachel Cooney
Worshipping creatively in a pandemic
Bible journaling has helped me worship. Writing creatively, as I feed on God’s word, helps focus my mind in this pandemic. For me, worship is about getting to know and love God, conversing with Him, and lifestyle, as much as it’s about singing with others when at church. What are your thoughts on…
Helen Locke
NOW CLOSED: Responding to the Law Commission’s review of wedding ceremonies
Among the principle changes proposed is to allow religious organisations other than the Church of England and the Church in Wales to nominate officiants who can legally conduct ceremonies. The Evangelical Alliance sees the shift from the venue being registered for weddings, to the officiant from an…
Churches can stay open under strict restrictions introduced throughout the UK
In a press conference on 19 December the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, announced that for London and large areas of the south-east of England households must now stay at home in a newly created Tier 4 that largely replicated the rules from November's lockdown. For the rest of England the Christmas…
Danny Webster
January 2021 churches update
In response to rising coronavirus case numbers and pressure on hospitals as more people need treatment than at any time during spring 2020, the governments of the UK have announced further measures to limit the spread of the virus. Unlike in 2020 the measures affect churches differently in…
