The Lester Randall Preaching Fellowship, aka the Toronto Festival of Preaching - an ecumenical gathering of clergy, at which John L. Bell will lead worship and present a workshop entitled 'The Importance of the Imagination', and a Big Sing.
Some people say that men are from Mars and women are from Venus - but how can we learn to live together on planet Earth? John L. Bell opens the ‘Pandora’s Box’ of the Bible to discover surprises, contradictions and enlightenment and to engage us in a conversation about gender and sexuality that’s less about
John L. Bell addresses a meeting of the Rutland Theological Society. If the Nobel Laureate Bob Dylan doesn't re-issue an updated version of The Times They Are a-Changin', people of faith should at least try to offer some lifelines to a society bewildered by Brexit, Trump, Immigrants and the Economy. Prophetic communities such as the
John L. Bell speaks at a meeting of 'Exploring Faith: Reimagining Church in the 21st-22nd Century'. This lecture has been arranged through the Montgomery Trust
Some see the Bible as a book of problems, others a book of answers; some can hardly scan a line without being reminded of the voice of their childhood priest or pastor; others never open it, but keep it handy just in case; and for some others, it is seen as a book which can best be opened
For many lay people in the West, the Bible is a book which needs to be opened by a priest or pastor... as if God only spoke to those who were ordained. Yet for most of human history and for most people in the world today, the Bible was not a book, but a family
Something old, something new, not much Christmas, but special attention to Advent and Epiphany. These are songs for everyone to sing, because they have been sung by all ages and stages, music readers and people who prefer reading knitting patterns. So everyone should come - knitters especially welcome.
An evening of light entertainment with John Bell. Seasonal Stories and Songs on the theme of Hidden Humour in Holy Scriptures. This event will be in aid of L'Arche. Refreshments provided.
An evening of light entertainment with John Bell of the Iona Community. Tickets £10. All proceeds to Iona Abbey Capital Appeal. Appeal Info
Unfortunately, due to a low level of interest Dust & Ashes has been cancelled. Our apologies. A Lenten Urban Retreat A short, afternoon time for reflection in the city, for those who wish to ponder the nature of the season. Following previous successful urban retreats, this is a second opportunity to take time to focus
An evening of light entertainment with John Bell of the Iona Community. Tickets £10. All proceeds to Iona Abbey Capital Appeal. Appeal Info
An evening of light entertainment with John Bell of the Iona Community. Tickets £10. All proceeds to Iona Abbey Capital Appeal. Appeal Info
An evening of light entertainment with John Bell of the Iona Community. Tickets £10. All proceeds to Iona Abbey Capital Appeal. Appeal Info
A Montgomery Trust Lecture by John L. Bell. Studies have shown that what we sing is what we end up believing, irrespective of the calibre of pulpit oratory we experience. In this lecture, we reflect on how songs, traditional and contemporary, shape popular theology. THIS LECTURE HAS BEEN POSTPONED DUE TO THE WEATHER CONDITIONS. A NEW DATE WILL
Not simply a baby in arms and Saviour on the cross – this is the starting point for this retreat. The incarnation did not happen so that Jesus could die, nor was his death primarily a consequence of his birth despite the words of hymns and creeds. Jesus’ life, particularly his three-year ministry, showed us
A monthly workshop course on music – its purpose and potential, how to use it imaginatively in congregations and much more.
Led by John L. Bell, Jane Bentley & Carol McArthur.
The course is open to all who are interested in the potential of music in the church – its importance in worship, pastoral work, and spirituality. Each evening is self-contained, so that participants may come for the whole course or specific evenings.
John L. Bell will talk on The Love of God and Global Warming.
John L. Bell will talk on Keeping Faith in an Age of Consumerism.
A Montgomery Trust Lecture by John L. Bell. Entry free but by ticket. Studies show that what we sing is often what we end up believing. In this talk, we reflect on how song, traditional and contemporary, shapes popular theology.
In aid of L'Arche Flintshire Community
Holy Week Retreat with John L. Bell. Southwark Cathedral offers a pilgrimage journey during Holy Week, in which we can be reflective, prayerful and creative; consciously placing ourselves in the presence of God, as we walk with Jesus through the final days of his life; wait alongside the grieving disciples and rejoice in amazement afresh
In this residential retreat, John L. Bell will explore the challenges of scripture and contemporary experience.
A monthly workshop course on music – its purpose and potential, how to use it imaginatively in congregations and much more.
Led by John L. Bell, Jane Bentley & Carol McArthur.
The course is open to all who are interested in the potential of music in the church – its importance in worship, pastoral work, and spirituality. Each evening is self-contained, so that participants may come for the whole course or specific evenings.
There are things in this world that concern us, and that would probably concern Jesus. What would he do, and what might we, when sides form and extreme voices tug from both sides? Join John Bell for a lively day of seeking gospel guidance for responding faithfully to today’s issues.
Even those who don’t consider themselves singers will be immersed in the fun as they are empowered to share in the harmony. As John says, “If you can speak, you can sing. If you can tell the difference between a statement and a question you are not tone deaf.” Music, old and new, a cappella and accompanied,
John Bell will lead a Big Sing as part of Earth Day 2018 in the Twin Cities. John will also preach at St. John’s Episcopal Church on Sunday, April 22nd, at the 9 am and 11 am services. Address: 4201 Sheridan Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55410.
A Conference to Reimagine, Reconnect, Rejoice! John Bell is one of the leaders at Food for the Journey 2018, along with Valerie Tutson and Fran McKendree. This year's conference focus is the art of story.
An evening of light entertainment with John Bell of the Iona Community. All proceeds to the Trinity Café, Tampa.
A monthly workshop course on music – its purpose and potential, how to use it imaginatively in congregations and much more.
Led by John L. Bell, Jane Bentley & Carol McArthur.
The course is open to all who are interested in the potential of music in the church – its importance in worship, pastoral work, and spirituality. Each evening is self-contained, so that participants may come for the whole course or specific evenings.
John is guest speaker at the meeting of the Iona Community Friends and Associates in Northumbria. Morning session - 'At odds with the culture of consumption'. Afternoon session - 'Singing with the global church'. £10 per person. Funds raised will go towards Iona Abbey Capital Appeal.
Despite God making men and women in the divine image, a common presumption of many believers is that it's really just the men that matter. Hence we know or hear a fair amount regarding Abraham, Moses, David, Peter and Paul, but not quite so much about the women in the Old and New Testaments. Their stories,
URC Northern Synod Music Day, with John Bell. Session titles: Leadership by the Laity Limited or Limitless Resources? Colourful Congregational Song Songs for the Season Registration and refreshments from 9.30am £8 per person, payable on the day. Bring a packed lunch, drinks provided. Please register by contacting Alison Shiel in advance.
A workshop on understanding and managing change, led by John Bell. Organised by the local Anglican and Methodist Church Councils.
A Montgomery Trust Lecture by John L. Bell. Studies have shown that what we sing is what we end up believing, irrespective of the calibre of pulpit oratory we experience. In this lecture, we reflect on how songs, traditional and contemporary, shape popular theology.
At the Irish Church Music Association Summer School, John Bell will lead sessions on 27th & 28th June. Summer School theme - Faith, Hope and Love.
A day to explore different aspects of spirituality and prayer, at which John Bell will give a keynote address on developing personal spirituality, and lead a session on the spirituality of the psalms.
THE SONG OF THE CHURCH SHAPES WHAT WE BELIEVE as much as anything we hear preached. So, if we are part of a global body might there be gifts in the texts or styles of songs from other continents which might broaden our faith? Or, for instance, did God just give one song–“Kumbaya”– to the
The election in the USA and the referendum in the UK have dominated the news in the respective nations, torn apart communities and political parties, enabled a rise in racist rhetoric and eclipsed what might be counted as the 'weightier issues' of social, international and ecological justice. Faith communities in many places have either been
Northern Lights Our partnership venue featuring – Iona Community, WGRG, Church Action on Poverty (CAP). Location – same place as 2017 - near the ‘junction’ between the two halves of the festival field, end of avenue backing onto the water. (Look for the bright turquoise/purple/green décor!) NL programme is taking shape - provisional plans so
If God created and loved the whole world, perhaps it is time that Western Christians became aware of the poetry, theology, worship traditions and song from the Southern Hemisphere. It might save us from imagining God as an anglophone deity who sits on a throne draped in red, white and blue in whatever constellation. Asia, Africa
John Bell will be exploring the hidden, the forgotten, the humorous and other exoticisms in the bible and in aspects of Jesus' life and ministry. To book, contact the church office, zurich@anglican.ch or 044 252 6024. Cost CHF 40.- includes lunch.
'Music in Worship - Ecumenical bridge builder or barrier?' John Bell will explore what we share in common, and look at how, even within denominations, preferred musical tastes and theologies can make it a cause of division. Hosted by the Centre for the Study of Religious and Cultural Diversity, Newbold College.
This is NOT an event for specialists, but an occasion when all of God's people can fulfil their obligation to sing God a new song, even if some of them use old tunes. There will be music from the five continents all of which is accessible to Anglophones, some original songs from the Iona Community
The Bible for the People / Strands of Celtic Spirituality John Bell will engage with Scripture and explore insights for living and believing in these two sessions, as part of the ISN 2018 programme.
A Big Sing with John Bell. He will be joined by Iona Abbey Musicians who will share some of their own music-making. This event is free to attend but please book through eventbrite. This is part of a series of events to support the refurbishing of Iona Abbey so donations will be welcome.
John Bell will deliver the Donald Gorrie lecture for 2018. "What we sing is what we end up believing, irrespective of the calibre of pulpit oratory we experience. In this lecture, we reflect on how songs, traditional and contemporary, shape popular theology."
The poetry of the Psalms, which has fascinated people for three millennia, is totally diverse in emotional range, spiritual depth and subject matter. It can be argued that one poem is the source document for original sin, while another suggests that nature is engaging in a cosmic symphony without any need for human direction. It
Why do God's people sing and what does it do for the development of faith? A workshop with John Bell. Suggested donation £10. Please reserve your place - singing@didsburybaptist.org.uk; 0161 434 1451. Bring your own lunch, tea & coffee provided.
John Bell will lead a series of reflections on how, throughout our lives, we are gradually moving to deeper understandings of ourselves, our world and our Maker.
USA North East