How to prepare for Synod? – video

In this second short video from the ACL, Dr Karin Sowada explains some good ways to prepare for this year’s Synod.

(Here’s a link to Robert Tong’s Synod Survival Guide.)

Abp Peter Jensen interviewed at Easter

Archbishop Peter Jensen was interviewed on his Easter message and more – for Sky News. Watch it via The Courier Mail. (Runs for 12:50.)

Archbishop Peter Jensen’s 2011 Easter Message

Archbishop Peter Jensen’s 2011 Easter Message has been released —

People talk glibly about ‘death with dignity’. I can take the idea of a heroic death, a quiet death, an early death, even at a stretch a peaceful death – but ‘death with dignity’ just seems like a cover up, like wishful thinking.

There is nothing dignified about the pain, helplessness, loss and anxiety of death. It is undignified. It takes God’s noble, glorious creation of a human being and turns us back to dust. It strips us of achievements, history, honours, dignity and relationships and destroys our bodies.

By way of undignified deaths I can scarcely think of a worse case than crucifixion. It was capital punishment designed to humiliate and intimidate. When God became man and joined us, that is how he was murdered. But out of the shame of Jesus’ death has come a never ceasing flow of mercy and forgiveness, sufficient even to deal with my faults and sins. And after the indignity of death he left the grave in glory.

I can’t imagine the indignity of my own death. It may come over a long period of time; it may be terribly painful; it may be as a result of accident and be instantaneous. Who can tell?

But this I do know – and you can know it too – my Saviour Jesus has walked this way ahead of me. He has walked it in the worst of all ways. And this I know – that he has been raised from the dead and walks not only ahead of me, but with me, every step of that road. And this I know – that out of my indignity will come the glory of being with him for ever.

— Dr Peter Jensen, Archbishop of Sydney, Easter 2011

Watch Archbishop Jensen’s message at SydneyAnglicans.net.

Easter Convention 2011: Putting Evil to Flight

Friday, 22 April 2011,  2:00pm — 5:00pm at St. Andrew’s Cathedral, Sydney.

Details here.

‘What’s so good about Good Friday?’

Phillip Jensen and Kel Richards discuss this most important of questions — on Vimeo, with thanks to Audio Advice. Many may be surprised to discover that popular traditions associated with Good Friday are quite novel. So what is Jesus’ death really all about?

28 minutes well spent! (Downloadable from Vimeo as a 159MB mp4 file.)

Missing the point of Good Friday

From the Anglican Journal — the national newspaper of the Anglican Church of Canada:

“The almost magical confluence of Good Friday and Earth Day on Apr. 22 presents an opportunity for Christian environmentalists to ponder humankind’s crimes against the planet. And at this time of penitence, sacrifice and redemption, to reflect on ways to reverse our unremitting exploitation of the created world.

The Greening Anglican Spaces task group … has compiled a ‘Good Friday Earth Day Reflection’…”.

(Image: Anglican Journal.)

Abp Ben Kwashi on BBC Radio Sheffield

Archbishop of Jos, Dr Ben Kwashi, was interviewed on BBC Radio Sheffield about why he stays in Jos.

The 7 minute interview was broadcast on Sunday (April 17) on Sunday Breakfast with Sarah Major. It starts at 1 hour 10 minutes into the programme and is available for 7 days on the Radio Sheffield website.

(h/t Julian Mann. Photo: Anglican Diocese of Jos.)

More musings on Genesis

Barry Newman’s blog is worth checking – as an example of careful examination of the Biblical text.

At the moment, he’s continuing his series on ‘Science and Genesis”. While you might not agree with every post, he provides plenty of material for thoughtful reflection on the meaning of God’s word.

Martin Bashir on interviewing Rob Bell

Last week on the American MSNBC, veteran journalist Martin Bashir interviewed Rob Bell about his new book.

The 7 minute interview is itself worth watching – but also listen to the 39 minute phone interview with Martin Bashir on why he asked the questions he did.

Very interesting interview, and a modelling of good journalism. (Image: MSNBC.)

Bibles for Japan — Bible League request

Here’s a press release from the Bible League in Australia – perhaps you can help:

Urgent Request from Churches in Japan for Bibles

The recent earthquake and tsunami that has devastated parts of Japan has shocked us all.  It is hard for us in Australia to fully comprehend the enormity of the disaster. Whole communities have been wiped out and tens of thousands are unaccounted for, presumed dead. Many have lost their home, family, friends, income and hope.

Through our international office we have received an urgent request from the Evangelical Churches in Japan for Bibles. The Bibles will be distributed in the areas most affected by the earthquake and tsunami. Included with the Bibles will be study materials to assist the churches with their humanitarian and pastoral care.

With Christians comprising less than 1.5% of Japan’s population of 127 million, there is an unprecedented opportunity to bring the true hope and assurance found only in God’s Word to many whose lives and security have been shattered.

Bibles are being sourced at the special discount rate of $2.50 each and our target is to supply a minimum of 20,000 copies. Your donation will help Bible League meet this urgent need for Bibles in Japan. To make a donation contact Bible League on 1800 800 937 [in Australia] or visit our website at www.bibleleague.com.au.

Opportunities at St Mark’s National Theological Centre

Here’s a note from St Mark’s National Theological Centre in Canberra —

St Mark’s National Theological Centre is seeking suitably qualified applicants for the positions of Lecturer in Pastoral Theology and Lecturer in Mission and Ministry.  Read more

Japan Earthquake — missionary update

Here’s the latest from CMS Australia.

Sydney prayers for Japan

“Churches across Sydney have been praying for Japan in the aftermath of the quake and tsunami, but none more fervently than the North shore Japanese congregation.

The Cammeray congregation, led by returned missionaries Grahame and Cathy Smith, spent the weekend praying after the quake occured on Friday, just hours before its houseparty in the Blue Mountains …”

– Russell Powell has this update at SydneyAnglicans.net.

The Sound of Silence

Many Christians have downplayed the reality of hell in recent years. With Rob Bell about to publish what is likely to be a controversial book, this is a time for clear thinking and faithful speaking.

Liam Goligher reflects at Reformation21.
Related: Albert Mohler on Doing Away with Hell? (Part One).
and Mark Thompson on A hell of a ruckus.

Continue to pray for Christchurch

Please continue to pray for the people of Christchurch, recovering from last month’s earthquake.

Anglican Aid has an appeal, and the website of St. John’s Latimer Square has information on how people can pray and help in other ways. (The St. John’s building is not usable.)

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