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.
weeWONDERBOX is delighted to welcome Rob Halligan to perform an evening gig as part of our 2017-18 programme and his Wild Horses UK Tour. The BBC once described Rob as “Bruce Springsteen having English tea with Billy Bragg”. It’s been a good comparison although you could maybe invite more people along to the party, as
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
Biblical blethers on the hoof “Fire Works” ... well, does it?! Come and walk as we explore some well-known and less well-known Biblical tales featuring fire. A preparatory challenge - have a look for the one that intrigues you most! We'll be visiting Baidlandhill, Dalry. Meet at Cross, Dalry town centre @ 2.30pm. Train from
An eight-session DVD-based study series on overcoming the Church’s biblical betrayal of its non-violent God. Tuesdays @ 7.00-9.00pm; 7 Nov / 14 Nov / 21 Nov / 28 Nov / 9 Jan / 16 Jan / 23 Jan / 30 Jan.
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
Looking at the gospel stories through the stories of three women: Mary of Bethany, Mary of Nazareth, Mary of Magdala The three Marys have been characters upon whom Christianity has long hung archetypes: Virgin, Bossy, Prostitute. During this urban retreat, Pádraig Ó Tuama will help us explore the stories of these extraordinary women in the
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.
If you’ve had a holiday clearout, or Santa missed the mark with one or two not-quite-you gifts, bring along anything that someone else might like, and see what others bring that takes your fancy! Feel free to come empty-handed! Refreshments provided, suggested donation £3. Anything left unswapped will be given to local charity shops. From
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.
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
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.
Tonight: Wednesday 14th March: 'Betrayed By Technology?' A film and discussion, enabled by Graham Maule on the promises and challenges of our contemporary relationship to technology and what that might mean for the future A monthly event - after our Wednesday Wee Weekly Worship - focusing on pressing, topical or intriguing issues concerning faith, politics,
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.
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.
Tonight: Wednesday 9th May: 'On Me Too' Lesley Orr leads us in a discussion about the Me Too movement to support survivors and end sexual violence. metoomvmt.org A monthly event - after our Wednesday Wee Weekly Worship - focusing on pressing, topical or intriguing issues concerning faith, politics, society and culture. In the original Greek myth,
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
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
A weekly opportunity to worship @ weeWONDERBOX This session - 2018-19 - our monthly cycle of worship will follow a set of sequential themes that many who are familiar with the Iona Community will recognise: Quiet Time Prayers for Justice & Peace Prayers for Healing Act of Commitment On months that have a fifth Wednesday,
Conversations about Brexit, borders and belonging This series of nine gatherings uses the book of Ruth from the Hebrew Bible to explore some of the pressing issues of these uncertain times. It has been produced by the Corrymeela Community as a public theology initiative. The Book of Ruth details the story of Ruth, her mother–in–law
A theological reflection on migration A four-part, monthly series, enabled by Kathy Galloway, co-Leader of the Iona Community. An invitation to look beyond the images we see on the news to see where God is and where God wants us to be on this journey. This series is based on a new resource published jointly
Tonight's event has been cancelled. Our apologies. Conversations about Brexit, borders and belonging This series of nine gatherings uses the book of Ruth from the Hebrew Bible to explore some of the pressing issues of these uncertain times. It has been produced by the Corrymeela Community as a public theology initiative. The Book of
Celebrating the advent of the Palestinian food and handcraft outlet in Glasgow Interested in buying goods in support of fair trade, justice and, in particular, Palestinian farmers and craftworkers? Hadeel is a Fair Trade shop in Edinburgh which has been offering this possibility for many years to the good folk of the (Scottish) Far
During this retreat, Pádraig Ó Tuama will help us explore some of the lyrics and some of the life of Leonard Cohen, looking at his Jewish heritage, his appropriation of liturgy, his engagement with poetic form and his unflinching honesty in the face of a life lived with art and pain.
In conversation with Kathy Galloway Tonight, weeWONDERBOX is delighted to host this event with Jim Forest, the renowned US writer, activist and co-founder of the Catholic Peace Fellowship. Jim has been a tireless worker for peace since the early 1960s and is one of the few people still living who knew Thomas Merton as a
The occasional Palestinian food and handcraft outlet in Glasgow The Advent edition of our new regular opportunity to buy food and crafts in support of fair trade, justice and Palestinian farmers and craftworkers. Find unique Christmas gifts and show practical solidarity with an oppressed people. Hadeel is a Fair Trade shop in Edinburgh which has
The occasional Fairtrade and Palestinian shop in Glasgow Fair trade in Scotland - Where’s it at? Where's it going? This month we'll be particularly celebrating the advent of Fairtrade Fortnight by featuring a short input from Martin Rhodes of the Scottish Fair Trade Forum @ 11.30am. Otherwise, and as usual, if you are ...
... and his Production-Consumption Society today - a DVD-based study series featuring Walter Brueggemann “It is a journey from slavery to covenant that we keep making over and over again… Pharaoh has immense power always to draw us back into slavery.” (Walter Brueggemann) A weeWONDERBOX faith exploration and study course for Lent. Using discussion
The occasional Fairtrade and Palestinian shop in Glasgow This month, we'll be at the Iona Community's Regional Plenary, which takes place at the Calton Heritage & Learning Centre, 423 London Road, Glasgow G40 1AG (on the corner of London Road and Tobago Street, directly opposite Templeton's Business Centre), http://www.caltonhlc.co.uk So, if you're going to
A Soul Marks Art & Prayer workshop with Carol Marples @ weeWONDERBOX Image © C. Marples Download a poster here. Any help with publicity, much appreciated! This workshop combines practical artwork, image, music, word and silence: no artistic experience is needed. All are welcome ... wherever you are on your spiritual and artistic journeys.
In conversation This event is now sold out. Admission by pre-booked ticket only Michael Leunig is a cartoonist and poet, under which guises he displays a lively and incisive philosophical and theological mind, commenting on issues of the day. In this Intimate Evening, we invite him to say a little about the role of the
Greenbelt is a festival of arts, faith and justice. Energised by a progressive Christian worldview, with 19 stages, galleries, installations and outdoor performances, Greenbelt creates a festival that is inclusive, open-minded, participatory and generous in spirit. Its 2019 theme is 'Wit and Wisdom'. WGRG in main Greenbelt programme 'Big Sing' on Saturday, Shelter venue,
A two day international conversation on how to make friends with Holy Scripture, enabled by the Wild Goose Resource Group The Bible ... ... open or closed? ... public or private? ... experience or theory? ... dynamic or dead? Many lay people feel inadequate when speaking about the Bible. And quite a few ministers
An evening concert Janne Mark writes hymns. Yet there is nothing about her that is stuck in a fusty tradition. She writes in the here and now, she is socially aware and committed, and in her work she draws on the freedom of jazz and all of the breadth of the Scandinavian folk tradition.
Join us for our SEASONAL CELEBRATION OF FAITH, CULTURE, POLITICS AND CREATIVITY Saturday 10th June 2023 10am-4pm with Siskin Green 7.30-8.30pm ‘Gathering’ The lingering fragility and unprocessed grief; the unseen struggles and changed-forevers. What are we gathering from all we experienced with Covid and the lockdowns? How are we gathering ourselves now? Our gentle festival day will be
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