Category: Church Health
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The art of finding God in all things
By The Rev’d Jane Trigg: Ignatius of Loyola, long before he became a saint and the founder of the Jesuits (the Society of Jesus), was a 16th century Spanish soldier, courtier, and lover of women. Like many of us today, his life was a journey that was unexpected and surprising, and along the way he…
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Pieces of the heart: out of the mouths of babes
By Fr Daniel Hobbs: I was dropping my son Jack off at school one day when he was in Grade 2. When we arrived at the school, he was in the back rustling through his things and putting on his school bag when we had the following conversation. Jack: “Hey, Dad. Did you know…
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Becoming wider, deeper, wiser and smarter
By The Ven. Bob Jackson (Eyam Parish, Derbyshire): Greetings from England! I have fond memories of doing ‘Leading your Church into Growth’ in Queensland a few years ago. But suddenly the way churches grow has transformed, so we need to transform as well! Around 85 per cent of Church of England benefices appear to have…
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How to include and support unwell people and those living with a disability in your churches
ACSQ contributor (anonymous): I spent much of my younger years unwell on a Disability Support Pension due to a number of interrelated autoimmune conditions that rendered me fatigued, in chronic pain and dealing with unpleasant ‘plumbing’ issues. The worst symptom was the persistent ‘mind-fog’ – I was so out of it that I didn’t realise…
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Supporting clergy and lay leaders through practical assistance
By The Rev’d Deb Bird: On the last Sunday before shifting to online ministry, it felt like we didn’t know much. We had no idea how long it would be before we could gather in person again, how the next service would be delivered, or how many of us would struggle with isolation or fall…
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Encouraging our parish clergy through participation
By The Rev’d Sue Grimmett: I sometimes find myself doubting the reality in which we find ourselves, preaching to a video camera and praying together where the only gathering is faces on a computer screen. Certainly, Easter with empty pews was both poignant and surreal for everyone, but perhaps especially for those who lead congregations…
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Supporting our parishes via Parish Direct
By The Rev’d Charlie Lacey: At various times and in various places the Church has survived plague, famine, war, persecution and social, political and economic turmoil. Indeed, the Church often flourishes in, or emerges stronger from, conditions of adversity and hardship. The Church is the visible sign of God’s kingdom on earth. Nevertheless, in times…
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Praying for our parish clergy and lay leaders
By The Ven. Keith Dean-Jones: When I was ordained a priest 43 years ago, I believed that the clergy were the shop keepers who ‘sold’ a religious product and that the people were the customers who ‘purchased’ the necessities for the spiritual life. The price of the transaction was the weekly freewill offering envelope, and…
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Supporting our parish clergy and lay leaders via the 4 p’s
Over the last week, I have been profoundly moved by the concern parish clergy and lay leaders have expressed for the physical health, emotional wellbeing and spiritual needs of their communities. I have also been inspired by our priests’ willingness to embrace non-gathered approaches to worship and ministry in order to help protect our congregation…
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Communicating your church’s care for our communities: media liaison tips
By Michelle McDonald, anglican focus Editor, PMC: Over the last month, the mainstream media has reported on some heartwarming and inspiring stories, as community members work together internationally to assist and stand in solidarity with each other amid the challenging COVID-19 environment. For example, The Guardian has shared about how people in the Bavarian town…