John Bell regrets he has had to cancel this event, due to bereavement. John Bell will lead worship at the Baltimore Presbytery gathering, and a workshop on the themes of improving congregational song and the effect of sung text on faith development.
John Bell regrets he has had to postpone this event, due to bereavement. Rescheduled for March 5th-7th 2021. For many believers, the Psalms comprise an essential part of the liturgy of Holy Communion—a welcome pause between the Old Testament reading and the Epistle. The Psalms are much more than this. They are words which nourished
Lament for Lent weekly @ weeWONDERBOX God isn't afraid of our grief, doesn't cower when we complain and does not take our lament lightly. Through biblical exploration, discussion and creative expression, we'll have the opportunity, rather than saying "Fine thanks", to let the unsaid out. This six-week series is based on the Church Mission Society's
LITTLE VOICES: BIG DIFFERENCE - Spring 2020 Day of Reflection organised by the Leeds Diocesan Justice & Peace Commission. “Where people seldom sense the power of scripture and song in their liturgical life as it reflects or responds to the realities of lived life, we need to recapture the sight of a God who so
John Bell’s Holy Week Reflections are coming on the Cathedral website from Sunday 5th April. We’re sorry John couldn’t be with us at Derby Cathedral but we’re hugely grateful to him for supplying the scripts of his talks.
The Psalms, which we often see as an intermission between two Sunday readings, have a more profound significance. They were, and still are, one of the foundations of Jewish spirituality. In this retreat we will explore how they can enliven our own devotional life and belief. Led by John Bell.
An evening with Fiona Kendall Fiona Kendall is a Scottish lawyer currently working as a Church of Scotland mission partner with Mediterranean Hope, a Rome-based organisation supporting and doing advocacy work for refugees and asylum-seekers. After a short opening liturgy, Fiona will show a short video highlighting aspects of Mediterranean Hope's work, then speak in
To the casual reader, humour in the Bible can be totally lost, mostly because we have a habit, when reading privately, of hearing the dullest lector or priest reading the verses in a monotone. But the humour is there, in the Old Testament and in the New for those who have ears to hear. Horror
The Revd John L. Bell will be joining Open Table Liverpool, to lead their monthly Communion Service.
St Bride’s Public Theology Lecture with John L. Bell. The doctrine of original sin, more than any other theological construct, led to untold awkwardness with regard to issues of gender and sexuality in the Christian churches. Its foundations, which are not secure, need a bit of shaking for the benefit of the biased and beleaguered
An Art and Prayer Workshop led by Carol Marples The post resurrection stories tell of uncertain times, strange happenings, signs of hope and a new way forward. In our uncertain and changing world where do we find hope? How do we respond? What steps can we take forward? A day to reflect through image, music, poetry,
An online practical theology short course with Mark Johnston and Jo Love. Trinity College Glasgow and Theology & Religious Studies, University of Glasgow. This is an open access course available as a 10-credit course (accredited by the University of Glasgow) or audit-only for those who just wish to engage with the learning programme for their
'Into the Books of the Bible - a world of life' In 2020, a new Bible was published in Denmark, in an accessible translation. In this conference, the workshops, lectures, liturgies and discussions will inspire and explore how to use the Bible in a new way. Large parts of the programme will take place in
Led by John L. Bell. For some people it is a bogus reality, for others a source of delight, but what was God's purpose in bestowing those made in God's image with imagination? In this retreat we will look both at the Divine imagination as exhibited in scripture, and at how our lives are fed
CANCELLED. Sadly, the Abbey is now closed to any further programme sessions in 2020. For some people it is a bogus reality, for others a source of delight, but what was God’s purpose in bestowing those made in God’s image with imagination? In this week we will look both at the Divine imagination as exhibited
Regarded by some as a dubious entity, the imagination is actually a means by which we can think creatively about ourselves, our faith and our future. The psalmists, the prophets and Jesus all used their imaginations to startle people into a deeper understanding of God and his purposes. This is what we will explore in
Alvin J. Poppen & John R. Young Lecture in Reformed Worship, delivered by John L. Bell, online via Zoom. Begins 10am Eastern Time (USA & Canada). Please register here.
The Scottish Church Theology Society 2021 Conference will feature presentations on the Psalms by SUE GILLINGHAM, Emeritus Professor of the Hebrew Bible at the University of Oxford, ROWAN WILLIAMS who has recently retired as the Master of Magdalene College, Cambridge, and JOHN L. BELL who works for the Iona Community in the areas of worship,
On the Feast of Candlemas, the Iona Community’s John Bell will stop by to explore ways of coping with the Covid crisis. Hosted by The Edinburgh Jesuit Centre on Zoom. For more information, contact: edinburghjesuitcentre@jesuit.org.uk
Postponed from 14th February due to weather. BBC One Scotland & Scotland HD, and on iPlayer. Reflections at the Quay continues its mix of words and music for Sundays. The presenters this week are John L. Bell and Jo Love.
For many believers, the Psalms comprise a central part of the liturgy of Holy Communion - a welcome pause between the Old Testament reading and the Epistle. The Psalms are much more than this. They are words which nourished the spirituality of Jesus. They abound in insights regarding God's relationship with the natural world, they
We invite you to journey with us through Holy Week, as we remember and re-enact the last days of Jesus’ life. Material, prepared by Jo Love and Pat Bennett, can be found here. The booklet offers reflections and questions for each day, along with liturgical resources and suggestions for ways to disrupt our living spaces
The miracles of Jesus don't so much get a bad press as get overlooked. It is as if they are an impediment to belief. If they were few in number, they might more easily be jettisoned in favour of Jesus’ 'rational' teaching. But they are not. Cut them out of Mark's Gospel and the pages
via Zoom For many Christians, the Miracles are wonderful signs which show the power of God in Jesus. But when we explore them, we discover that they are much more. They reveal to us the goodness and contrariness of humanity – both personal and social – and the sensitivity of Jesus, and they challenge our
John L. Bell presents a session at The National Network of Pastoral Musicians online mini-conference: Friday 23 and Saturday 24 July. Each evening, from 7-9pm, includes worship, a presentation, questions and a Big Sing. The presenters are Jo Boyce on 23 July, talking about Encouraging people to sing after the pandemic, and on 24 July
A week’s immersion in the practice and purpose of creative, participative liturgy. Led by Jo Love, Jane Bentley and Carol Marples.
Trinity College Glasgow invites Church Groups across the UK and Ireland to join their FREE 7 Week Countdown to COP26 Course, "Faith, Hope + Climate Change". Use part of your 2021 home group, youth group, or Bible study group programme to join with others in listening for God's call as we face up to the
There are ten Commandments and eight Beatitudes. The former are considered to be restrictive (Thou Shalt Not), the latter rather vague (to be 'meek' sounds a bit insipid). They are long due for refreshment. John Bell will argue that the Commandments are about liberation, and the Beatitudes about the potential in all of us. This
A practical introduction to designing and leading Christian worship services with Trinity College Glasgow and Theology & Religious Studies, University of Glasgow. Thursday evenings, 7.00pm - 9.00pm plus a Saturday workshop on 20th Nov, taught over 10 weeks in a blended mode of delivery with in-person meetings & instruction (Covid regulations permitting) along with online
The Psalms, which we often see as an intermission between two Sunday readings, have a more profound significance. They were, and still are, one of the foundations of Jewish spirituality. In this retreat we will explore how they can enliven our own devotional life and belief. Led by John Bell.
Progressive Christianity Network (PCN) Malvern Group event. Zoom talk by John L. Bell. Seen by some as a bogus gift, the imagination is not often regarded as an ally to faith. Yet in both the writing of Holy Scripture and its interpretation, the imagination comes into play as a divine endowment. This lecture explores its
The doctrine of original sin, more than any other theological construct, led to untold awkwardness with regard to issues of gender and sexuality in the Christian churches. Its foundations, which are not secure, need a bit of shaking for the benefit of the biased and beleaguered alike. The St Bride’s Public Theology Lecture series brings
For some people it is a bogus reality, for others a source of delight, but what was God’s purpose in bestowing those made in God’s image with imagination? In this week we will look both at the Divine imagination as exhibited in scripture, and at how our lives are fed and nurtured by the creative
Loving Earth – caring for the world we love Textile Art Exhibition for COP26, Gorbals Parish Church 50 panels of the Loving Earth Project will be on display at Gorbals Parish Church in Glasgow from 30 October to 14 November. There will also be LEP workshops on 30 October and 7 November. Volunteers are very,
Vigil in Glasgow Cathedral John Bell and Jo Love are co-leading this event organised by Glasgow Churches Together. Prayer and song from across the world as we worship in keeping with the art installation ‘I will learn to sit with you and I will learn to listen’ devised by Peter and Heidi Gardner for COP26.
As the world gathers in Glasgow for COP26, join Christian Aid, Dr Rowan Williams, the Kingdom Choir and the Young Christian Climate Network for a night of music, prayer and inspiration at Glasgow Cathedral. Contributors include: Dr Rowan Williams, outgoing chair of Christian Aid Amanda Khozi Mukwashi, Chief Executive of Christian Aid The Kingdom Choir, London-based choir,
To the casual reader, humour in the Bible can be totally lost, mostly because we have a habit, when reading privately, of hearing the dullest lector or priest reading the verses in a monotone. But the humour is there, in the Old Testament and in the New for those who have ears to hear. Horror
A lecture by John Bell, hosted by St Nicholas Church, Brighton, sponsored by the Sexuality, Gender and Faith Group in Brighton & Hove, and open to all.
The notion that 'Christmas is a time for the kids' has helped to turn the Advent and Christmas seasons into a babyfest. It also eclipses the significance of incarnation, the importance of adults and even the connection to a woman who murdered a man in a campsite. This short retreat will pull back the curtain
Songs from the World Church and music celebrating creation led by John Bell
Exploring a theological response to COP26 informed by the Iona Community commitment to uphold the integrity of creation, with John Bell.
John Bell will be in Maine, USA, 25 - 29 March, leading various events, singing & exploring dimensions of faithful and engaged living. All events are open to the public (free will offering). Friday, March 25, 2022 6:00-8:00 pm, at The First Church in Belfast, UCC - In Person Workshop: A Celtic Christian View of
A celebration of the life of Archbishop Desmond Tutu. All are welcome to come along for this celebration, at which John Bell will lead singing and the Moderator of the Church of Scotland, Lord Jim Wallace, will speak, with involvement from representatives of different faiths and denominations. A workshop prior to the event led by
A celebration of the Church's song in anticipation of congregations being able to sing freely and unmasked with John Bell of The Iona Community. This will involve a some historical/hysterical perspectives on the various traditions of singing, and a sampling of the great varieties of song from home and abroad intended for all of God's
Familiarity may not have bred contempt, but it might have bred low expectation or presumption when it comes to the psalms. For many worshippers they are most commonly experienced as the obligatory interlude, spoken or sung, between readings from the Hebrew Scriptures and the New Testament Letters. For the less liturgically inclined, a narrow selection
The last thirty years have confronted us with changed perceptions regarding women, race, ecology, national identity, global connectivity, rogue states. All of these have been the stuff of conversation, but often the churches have lacked a vocabulary with which to engage the faith it professes with the realities that surround us. This workshop, led by
At one time all of Britain benefitted from the Celtic expression of faith. In 664, the Synod of Whitby began to bring Britain into better conformity with the Rome-centred church life. In more recent years, there has been resurgence of interest in Celtic Spirituality regarding its affection for pilgrimage, its appreciation of the natural order,
A gathering of people will peacefully confront the UK’s ongoing addiction to the possession and deployment of horrific and illegal weapons of mass destruction. The week-long nonviolent protest will take place at and around the Faslane/Coulport nuclear weapon complex in western Scotland. Practical information People coming to the gathering should make their own practical arrangements
Small Faithful Rural: Authentic Rural Church is an opportunity to share in conversation and workshops focusing on the realities of church contexts that are small, faithful, and rural, organised by a representatives of the Church of England Dioceses of Carlisle, Durham, Newcastle, and Edinburgh. The conference will feature keynote inputs from John Bell and Bishop Helen-Ann
USA North East