“Every time a family meal is prepared, it is essential that extra is made to have ready for anyone who might come to visit unannounced, so there is plenty to share. Our children are taught this from a young age and are expected to always make extra if they cook. It is a great embarrassment to not have enough for visitors. It does not matter when they arrive – there should always be something to share,” says Resource Church Specialist, Bishop Daniel Abot
Reflecting on two recent Anglican conferences, Archbishop Phillip Aspinall explores how we can live in harmony with ourselves and others: “How can we live in harmony as one church when we have deep convictions that seem to be directly opposed to each other?”
“The most impactful workshop conversations were led by those living with disability who said that, ‘If you just let me tell you what I have in place, I can be as independent as possible, even in a crisis’,” shares The Rev’d Loretta Tyler-Moss
“After my dad’s death in the middle of last year, I became determined to re-walk my favourite journeys while I can, aware that my earthly life is indeed finite. I wasn’t the only one on the pilgrimage who was coming to grips with mortality,” says The Ven. Valerie Hoare
The Rev’d Nicholas Whereat of the Anglican Parish of Aspley-Albany Creek reviews the recently published autobiography of the Gosford Anglican Church priest and Senate candidate, The Rev’d Rod Bower
“Research shows that when a child is named, intentionally included and encouraged by five adults in a church congregation, they will start to feel at home in their parish community,” says St Francis College’s Fiona Hammond, while suggesting a number of helpful conversation kick-starter questions
From a personal perspective, I like the idea that I’m self-sufficient and smart enough to solve my own problems. Admitting I need help means being vulnerable and this can be deeply uncomfortable, especially for an introvert like me. Based on conversations I’ve had, I think parish clergy and lay leaders have similar concerns. If we admit that everything isn’t peachy, what will people think of us?” explores Dr Stephen Harrison
“Some years ago, I read an article which suggested that if you cut a chrysalis open to help the emerging butterfly get out easily it will not be able to fly because it is in the process of struggling that the wings get the necessary blood flow to function,” says Bishop Cam Venables as he reflects on the way our Diocesan community has responded to COVID-19’s challenges
St Andrew’s, South Brisbane Youth Group leader Oscar Delaney reflects on growing up in Indian slums, how climate change will hit the worst-off first and hardest and why he is taking on mining tycoon Clive Palmer
“Dialogical tools such as World Café are really helpful in introducing students to ways of talking about serious topics, and for managing conversations where there may be different, strongly-held opinions,” says The Rev’d Gillian Moses from St Aidan’s Anglican Girls’ School