Living God's Future Now w/c 6 December 2020

'Living God’s Future Now’ is the HeartEdge online festival of theology, ideas and practice.

We’re developing this in response to the pandemic and our changing world. The church is changing too, and - as we improvise and experiment - we can learn and support each other.

This is 'Living God’s Future Now’ - talks, workshops and discussion - hosted by HeartEdge. Created to equip, encourage and energise churches - from leaders to volunteers and enquirers - at the heart and on the edge.

Sunday 06 December

• Inspired to Follow: Art and the Bible Story: Sunday 6 December, 14:00 (GMT), Zoom meeting - register here. ‘The Advent Wreath’ exploring the Patriarchs, the Prophets, John the Baptist and Mary. Session 2, The Prophets - Isaiah 53:1-12. ‘The Forerunners of Christ with Saints and Martyrs’ probably by Fra Angelico, around 1423-4, NG663.3. ‘Inspired to Follow: Art and the Bible Story’ helps people explore the Christian faith, using paintings and Biblical story as the starting points. The course uses fine art paintings in the National Gallery’s collection as a spring board for exploring questions of faith.

Monday 07 December

• Biblical Studies class, Monday 07 Dec, 19:30-21:00 (GMT), Zoom meeting, register in advance here. Simon Woodman, professor, tutor and Baptist Minister leads us in a lecture and discussion of the Old Testament Epistles.

Tuesday 08 December

• Sermon Preparation Workshop, Tuesday 08 Dec, 16:30 (GMT), livestreamed here. Sam Wells & Sally Hitchner explore the weeks lectionary readings and how they could be used in a sermon, with a chance to ask questions.

Wednesday 09 December

• Community of Practitioners workshop, Wednesday 09 December, 16:30 (GMT), Zoom meeting. Email Jonathan Evens to register. Church leaders join in community to explore a text, and to share and reflect together on their recent experiences.

Thursday 10 December

• ‘Living God’s Future Now’ - HeartEdge monthly dialogue: Thursday 10 December, 18:00 (BST), Zoom meeting - register here. Sam Wells in dialogue on improvising the kingdom with Steve Chalke. Rev Steve Chalke is a Baptist minister, former United Nations' Special Adviser on Human Trafficking and founder of Oasis - a community transformation movement, working in and beyond the UK across Housing, Education, and anti-trafficking and much more.

Last Week's Highlight

David Benjamin Blower took to the HeartEdge stage with nothing less than a gig, which was accompanied by a workshop. Candid and frank though soft and soothing David took us on a sensory journey through lockdown. This time together was revealing and hopeful. Please enjoy the recording here.

See www.heartedge.org to join HeartEdge and for more information.

Over the next few months we are looking at everything from growing online congregations, rethinking enterprise and community action to doing diversity, deepening spirituality and responding to social need.

Are we missing something? Be in touch about your ideas for development and change.

Please note that invitations will be sent 24hrs, 12hrs, 1hr and 10 mins before an event, mostly to minimise the chance of misuse. Thank you.

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Jonathan Butler - We Need You Lord.