Following on from last month, we are publishing some audio resources to help mooters develop a deeper prayer life.  This time we are promoting the Welcoming Prayer.  This form of prayer is to be used for when you feel emotional, stressed, in pain or simply overwhelmed.  It is a simple form of prayer aimed at facing the emotion or feeling, making peace with it, and then letting it go and in the process engaging with God.

For more details on this and other audio contemplative resources see here.

At the Moot Eucharist on Sunday 21st April 2013, Ian Mobsby explored the theme of Home is where the heart is drawing on Ephesians 1:1 to 14 and The Gospel of Luke 24:36-49. In these biblical texts Ian explores the theme of the resurrection as an event of grace, that opens up the call for our lives as Christians as an event. Ian then explores how this idea of ‘event’ informs a New Monastic understanding of a Rhythm of Life as an orientation of the heart. In this Service the Moot Community began a period of reflection leading to a planned Recommitment Service on Pentecost Sunday.

To see a copy of the Rhythm of Life reflection document, please click here.

At the Moot Eucharist on Easter Sunday, Ian Mobsby explores the importance of the two resurrection stoties in the Gospel of Luke.  These are important stories, one beginning with the womens experience of the empty tomb and the mystery of Christ’s appearing on the road to Emmaus.  Both stories are vital as we explore and seek to be Christians inspired by the resurrection on the 21st century.

At the Moot Eucharist on the first Sunday of Lent 2013, Aaron Kennedy explores the lectionary texts of Luke Chapter 4, Romans Chapter 10 and Deuteronomy Chapter 26 to explore the theme of being the people of peace a Lenten reflection.

For more information on our prayer resources, please visit the spirituality section of our website at http://www.moot.uk.net/enterprises/ or click here

On the Third Sunday of Epiphany on a particularly snowy day in the City of London, Vanessa Elston explores the Lectionary texts of Isaiah 62.1-5, Psalm 36.5-10, 1 Corinthians 12.1-11 and John 2.1-11 and their implication in the Judeo-Christian tradition of the way of love. This homily was given at a Moot Eucharist Service at the Guild Church of St Mary Aldermary on Sunday 20th January 2013.

On Sunday 16th Dec 2012 on the 3rd Sunday of Advent, Ian Mobsby explores the theme of ‘Advent and real and lasting change’. In the Gospel of Luke 3:7-18 Ian explores the importance of how we live and sincerity of heart called for by John the Baptist. The climax of this text seems to be a call to loving kindness in the way we live as the first call to the Kingdom of God, which is modelled through economic justice. This links to a conversation in the new film The Hobbit:

In a striking phrase the Dwarf leader asks Gandolf the Grey how people face and live with the current darkness and evil – to which he responds – I find that it is the small everyday deeds of ordinary folk that keep the darkness at bay … small acts of kindness and love.

On the 27th November 2012, the Moot Community of the Guild Church of St Mary Aldermary launched the Host Cafe to a gathering of supporters, city workers, clergy and journalists. Amongst the festivities, Peter Owen Jones gave a short address on the theme of ‘Caffeine for the Soul’. Peter is a well known BBC TV Presenter exploring the interface of religion, spirituality and contemporary culture.

The act of living is so much bigger in every dimension than we have realised. Living as a soul is about living a radical alternative life of gift, which means you feel the effects of yourself on others, and love is the greater of that experience of being. You can only communicate life by being love. The healing from status, the poverty of wealth, the loneliness of luxury, the impermenance of our physicality, but it is earthed in giving, and it is earthed in being.

In this podcast, Ian Mobsby addresses a gathering in Lambeth Palace before the Archbishop of Canterbury and invited guests from traditional and new communities to explore his experiences in forming the Moot Community. This podcast was recorded at a gathering to promote the work of the Anglican Religious Communities Charitable Trust set up to support new innovation of the religious life in mission and community in the Church of England and beyond.  Without the generous support of this trust, the Diocese of London and the Trust for London, the Moot Community would not have been formed or sustained in the start-up phase of its life. mobile podcasts | moot podcast archive | subscribe to podcasts in itunes | subscribing to podcasts through RSS feed | other podcast subscribing | podcast player for your site

At a recent gathering at Lambeth Palace, Rowan Williams the Archbishop of Canterbury gave this address about exploring the role and place of religious communities in the Church of England. This podcast was recorded at a gathering to promote the work of the Anglican Religious Communities Charitable Trust set up to support new innovation of the religious life in mission and community in the Church of England and beyond.

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On the 19th July 2012 at the Moot Community of the Guild Church of St Mary Aldermary in the City of London and in front of a packed crowd, Charles Eisenstein explores the theme of developing a gift economy drawing on his writings and his most recent book, Sacred Economics. This is the second of two podcast recordings.

Sacred Economics traces the history of money from ancient gift economies to modern capitalism, revealing how the money system has contributed to alienation, competition, and scarcity, destroyed community, and necessitated endless growth. Today, these trends have reached their extreme – but in the wake of their collapse, we may find great opportunity to transition to a more connected, ecological, and sustainable way of being.

The views expressed in this podcast are not necessarily the views of the Moot Community or the Guild Church of St Mary Aldermary. In a world facing significant threats and questions, Charles Eisenstein contributes his thinking into the public arena.

On Sunday 21st October 2012, Johnny Sertin spoke to the Moot Community at the Sunday evening service at the Guild Church of St Mary Aldermary. In a homily, Johnny explores the theme of the challenge of real Christian discipleship. Johnny is one of the founders of the New Monastic and missional community called the Earlsfield Friary, and is currently training to become a Pioneer Minister through the Church Mission Society and Cuddeston Theological College in Oxford.

mobile podcasts | moot podcast archive | subscribe to podcasts in itunes | subscribing to podcasts through RSS feed | other podcast subscribing | podcast player for your site

To download slides associated with the address in Manchester and London click here

To see or order the book in the UK see here

To see or order the book in the USA see here

On the 19th July 2012 at the Moot Community of the Guild Church of St Mary Aldermary in the City of London and in front of a packed crowd, Charles Eisenstein explores the theme of developing a gift economy drawing on his writings and his most recent book, Sacred Economics. This is the first of two podcast recordings.

Sacred Economics traces the history of money from ancient gift economies to modern capitalism, revealing how the money system has contributed to alienation, competition, and scarcity, destroyed community, and necessitated endless growth. Today, these trends have reached their extreme – but in the wake of their collapse, we may find great opportunity to transition to a more connected, ecological, and sustainable way of being.

The views expressed in this podcast are not necessarily the views of the Moot Community or the Guild Church of St Mary Aldermary. In a world facing significant threats and questions, Charles Eisenstein contributes his thinking into the public arena.

In this podcast of the homily of the Moot Eucharist on the 16th September 2012 in the Guild Church of St Mary Aldermary, Christos Bousoulas explores the implications and the call of the Cross on the faith and practice of Christianity. Drawing on his Greek Orthodox faith and the Gospel text of Mark 8: 27-38, Christos unpacks the implication of following Jesus and our call to carry our own cross, which is the call to striving against the ego to live a better way.

Christos is part of the new Host Cafe Team of the Moot Community, at the Guild Church of St Mary Aldermary, which is a new initiative to promote hospitality as an expression of mission and ministry of the Christian faith.

This homily explores the theme of rest and the lack of it in contemporary living. Ultimately the Christian faith is about finding our rest in God, which requires us to face ourselves, our wounds and pains, and not running away from them. This homily was given originally by Ian Mobsby at the parish church of St Brides Fleet Street, and recorded on Sunday 22nd July 2012.

The beginning of the feeding of the 5000 begins with a little known introduction. Jesus was intending to take the 12 disciples into rest after they had been out on a mission, but Jesus takes pity on the crowds and performs a miracle. Taking our rest is a form of prayer as well as a time for regeneration. Because of this we need to take it seriously.

This Moot podcast includes a homily and then space to respond with a time of music. In this podcast Michael Radcliffe explores the theme of following Jesus in the complexity of our contemporary world. Drawing on the lectionary readings of Ephesians 1.3-14 and Mark 6.14-29, Mike explores how our baggage becomes a barrier to experiencing God and in particular Jesus which requires us to reach beyond are self-obsessions and self-preoccupations. Michael L Radcliffe is one of the founding participants of the Moot Community, an artist who also works as a plumber. To see some of Michael’s art please see artbizness.com

This podcast was recorded in the Eucharist Service on the 15th July 2012 at the home of the Moot Community at the Guild Church of St Mary Aldermary. Music was performed by Peter Thomas and Ciara Lowther.

On Pentecost Sunday 2012, Bp Richard Chartres, the Bishop of London, led the Moot recommitment service to the Community’s Rhythm of Life. In the homily, Bp Richard explores the themes of the renewal in mission and healing of the Holy Spirit. In particular he explores the life and vision of Dorothy Kerin who founded the Burrswood Community and its focus on wellbeing and healing.

This homily was re-recorded after the Rhythm of Life Service by an alternative voice from the written homily of Bp Richard, at the Guild Church of St Mary Aldermary, the Home of the Moot Community. Permission was sought and given for this recording.

In his first homily in Moot, Nic Baumgartner explores the issues raised in 2 Cointhians Chapter 5, around the calling for Christians to be transformed through reconciliation. This was recorded at the Moot Eucharist at the Guild Church of St Mary Aldermary 17th June 2012.

In this years ‘Continuing the Journey Conference 2012′, Johnston McMaster gave this incredible plenary address on the title “Living in tomorrow’s world - globalisation and beyond. Johnston teaches for the Irish School of Ecumenics, and is an acclaimed writer and speaker. This podcast explores the implications of our post-christendom and incrwasingly post-western world, and the place of the Church and the Christian faith. The material for this podcast has been kindly published with the permission of the ‘Continuing the Journey’ Organisation 2012.

In this podcast of the Easter Sunday Service 2012, Vanessa Elston explores the resurrection of Jesus through the eyes of Mary Magdalene. She was one of the first witnesses, and through her experience we hear the shock of the realisation of what has happened.

In this final session of the Moot Lent Course 2012 at the Guild Church of St Mary Aldermary in the CIty of London, Vanessa Elston explores the theme of Call and response.

In this fourth podcast of Lent 2012, Vanessa Elston continues this years Moot at St Mary Aldermary Lentern season with a reflection on the title ‘A door has been opened and a room prepared’.

Christian silence seeks an openness to the divine that is personal, in Christ who ‘emptied himself of all but love.’ Self emptying kenotic love is therefore a fulfillment of the true self, which, traditionally, is held to have the capacity to rejoice eternally without losing specific personality. Moreover, Christianity believes that the world is real and redeemable – and that therefore ‘personality’, as part of that whole, is sustainable. Sara Maitland

In this third podcast of Lent 2012, Vanessa Elston continues this years Moot at St Mary Aldermary Lentern season with a reflection on the title ‘Hunger and Thirst’.

The product … is people who are really there; perhaps it’s a simple as that. What Benedict is interested in producing is people who have the skills to diagnose all inside them that prompts them to escape from themselves in the here and now. Just as much as in the literature of the desert – despite his insistence that he is working on a different and lower level – Benedict regards monastic life as a discipline for being where you are, rather than taking refuge in the infinite smallness of your own fantasies. Rowan Williams

In this second podcast of Lent 2012, Vanessa Elston continues this years Moot at St Mary Aldermary Lentern season with a reflection on the title ‘Loosing and finding ourselves in the desert’ – the nature of  ’self’ and our relationship to ourselves.

In this first podcast of Lent 2012, Vanessa Elston starts this years Moot at St Mary Aldermary Lentern season with a reflection on the title ‘An Invitation to silence, solitude and human becoming’.

“As we grow up our minds grow more complex and more settled in their orbits.  We spend so much of our adult energies thinking, planning, worrying, trying to get ahead or stay afloat, that we lose touch with that natural intimacy with God deep within us.  The gift of silence gradually recedes in the face of the demands of daily life, so that when we do re-encounter contemplative prayer as adults, it may seem like a strange and inaccessible inner terrain.  With some effort, we can stop the outer noise.  Silent walks in the woods, Lenten and Advent quiet days at the local church, or a retreat at a monastery are wonderful ways of doing just that.  But stopping the inner noise is another matter.  Even when the outer world has been wrestled into silence, we still go right on talking, worrying, arguing with ourselves, day-dreaming, fantasizing.  To encounter those deeper reaches of our being, where our own life is constantly  flowing out of and back into the divine life; what first seems to be needed is some sort of interior on/off switch to tone down the inner talking as well.”  (Cynthia Bourgeault, Centering Prayer and Inner Awakening)

In this podcast recorded at the Moot Eucharist on the Sunday before Lent 2012, Ian Mobsby explores the theological and cosmological impllications of Shalom in the Hebrew Bible and the Kingdom of God in the New Testament. The writings of Isaiah become the founding vision of Jesus as he launched his mission in the Syngague of Nazareth. In so doing, Jesus births Christianity as an expression of the Hebrew hope of the restoration of all things into right relationship with the divine.

Sometimes we need to listen to outside voices, to hear the prophetic voice of God.  In this podcast, Ian Mobsby reflects on a You Tube clip of a TV Show by Bill Maher who rightly points out the hypocrisy of many Christians.  This is not a smug go at the North American Church, but a challenge to all Christians to be followers rather than observers of Jesus Christ.

In this podcast recorded at the Moot Eucharist in Epiphany 2012, Ian Mobsby explores the issue of following rather than just observing the teaching of Jesus Christ as recorded in the gospels.  Jesus is pretty clear about expecting his disciples and followers to change the way they act.  This podcast seeks to explore this drawing on three scriptural passages - Revelation 19:6-10, John 2:1-11 and Galatians 5:19-24.

In this first Moot podcast of 2012 Aaron Kennedy talks to Tobias Jones about what inspired him to set up his community house in the woods near Bristol, what its like, and what communities like it are saying to the church today. Tobias Jones is a freelance writer, well-known for his books The Dark Heart of Italy and Utopian Dreams, and his regular column in the Observer, in which he relates his experiences of living in community. For information on the Windsor Hill Wood Community see their website http://windsorhillwood.co.uk/ For more information on New Monasticism see www.new-monasticism-network.ning.com We apologise for the drop in sound quality in some parts of this podcast.

And so we come to the end of Advent and enter into the celebration of Easter. Ian Mobsby shares some reflections and a poem in celebration of the coming of God in human form.

The next podcast will be in January 2012, as a dialogue between Aaron Kennedy of the Moot Community and Tobias Jones. Tobias is a wellknown writer, journalist and communitarian overseeing an unusual spiritual community in some woods in southern England.

For more information on moot, see www.moot.uk.net

As part of this years art, spirituality and reflections on Advent, Vanessa Elston leads this fourth and final podcast exploring the theme of ‘Do not be afraid to look for joy in unexpected places’. This year the Moot Community at St Mary Aldermary are hosting a number of spiritual events to promote engagement with the season. For more details on this, see the Events section of the Moot Website www.moot.uk.net

As part of this years art, spirituality and reflections on Advent, Ian Mobsby leads this third podcast exploring the theme of ‘Do not be afraid to respond to love’. This year the Moot Community at St Mary Aldermary are hosting a number of spiritual events to promote engagement with the season. For more details on this, see the Events section of the Moot Website www.moot.uk.net

As part of this years art, spirituality and reflections on Advent, Vanessa Elston leads this second podcast exploring the issue of risk, peace and the undefended life. This year the Moot Community at St Mary Aldermary are hosting a number of spiritual events to promote engagement with the season. For more details on this, see the Events section of the Moot Website www.moot.uk.net

As part of this years art, spirituality and reflections on Advent, Vanessa Elston leads this first podcast exploring the issue of hope and being undefended. This year the Moot Community at St Mary Aldermary are hosting a number of spiritual events to promote engagement with the season. For more details on this, see the Events section of the Moot Website www.moot.uk.net

In this second of two podcasts, Ian Mobsby dialogues with Professor Philip Sheldrake about Spirituality, Contemporary Culture and the Church. Philip is a well-known international authority in the areas of Christian Spirituality, Public Theology and inter-religious dialogue. He has written a number of leading books and articles on these significant subjects. This second podcasts looks at the themes of spirituality informed economics, and the understanding that the market was supposed to be about building a better world. Philip shares his hope that we begin to see that consumption is not an end in itself, and that we recover a sense of a just and human centred society.

In this first of two podcasts, Ian Mobsby dialogues with Professor Philip Sheldrake about Spirituality, Contemporary Culture and the Church. Philip is a well-known international authority in the areas of Christian Spirituality, Public Theology and inter-religious dialogue. He has written a number of leading books and articles on these significant subjects. This first podcasts looks at the themes of spirituality as a principled life, an inner experience of transformation through encounter with God, the freedom of spirituality as a life away from self-centredness and the challenge of the Church to be spiritual in our current western contexts.

In this more reflective podcast, Ian Mobsby leads a time of lectio divina on the words of Jesus around praying the Lord’s prayer followed by a reflection and a short homily. This podcast enables you the listener to actively stop, listen and respond to the words of Jesus, a meditation and homily on why we should pray in times of trial. This podcast was recorded at the Moot Community Eucharist, in the Guild Church of St Mary Aldermary in the City of London on Sunday 16th October 2011.

Drawing on the letter of St James in the New Testament, Ian Mobsby and Vanessa Elston explore the calling of Christians to endurance in difficult times, and the very real financial and human resource needs to sustain the mission and work of the Moot Community in difficult and uncertain times.

If you are a regular listener to Moot podcasts and you would like to support the work of the Community in London and beyond through its website, events and activities, then you can do this by visiting our website at www.moot.uk.net and selecting the mootique page. At the bottom you will see the ability to give one off or regular giving through a debit or credit card, or through paypal. If you are a UK resident, then you can also give by standing order. The forms for this can also be downloaded from the bottom of the mootique page.

If you have any queries, please email info@moot.uk.net

In this final of three podcasts recorded in August 2011 Ian Mobsby conversed with Simon Walker - author, teacher, mentor and Anglican Priest to explore the issue of the ‘undefended life’. Simon has written a number of highly acclaimed books on the subject, getting to the heart of the calling of Christian spirituality to promote an approach to life which is undefended. In this podcast Simon explores how getting beyond fear and the troubles of our world is possible by a deep relationship of love with God in the world, that means we are able to work collaboratively with others, and trust God to be doing things beyond our understanding and control.

For more information on Simon’s work see: http://www.undefended.org.uk/

In this second of three podcasts recorded in August 2011 Ian Mobsby conversed with Simon Walker - author, teacher, mentor and Anglican Priest to explore the issue of the ‘undefended life’. Simon has written a number of highly acclaimed books on the sbject, getting to the heart of the calling of Christian spirituality to promote an apporach to life which is undefended. In this podcast Simon explores how getting beyond fear and the troubles of our world is possible by a deep relationship of love with God the Trinity, enables us to find liberation and freedom whilst enabling us to approach leadership in a new way.

In this first of three podcasts recorded in August 2011 Ian Mobsby conversed with Simon Walker - author, teacher, mentor and Anglican Priest to explore the issue of the ‘undefended life’. Simon has written a number of highly acclaimed books on the sbject, getting to the heart of the calling of Christian spirituality to promote an apporach to life which is undefended. In this podcast Simon maps out the effects of early childhood on our personality types, and an interpretation of the New Testament that promotes liberation through experiencing the love of God to overcome fear and so be undefended.

For more information on Simon’s work see here. For information on Simon’s books click here:

In the culmination a weekend spiritual retreat at the Guild Church of St Mary Aldermary, Pádraig Ó Tuama gave this homily on the subject of baptism in the waters of incarnation. Pádraig is an acclaimed poet, theologian and justice and reconciliation worker, and a member of the Ikon Community in Belfast Northern Ireland. This podcast was recorded at the Evening Service Eucharist of the Moot Community at the Guild Church of St Mary Aldermary on Sunday 9th August 2011.

In this podcast recorded at the Moot Sunday Evening Eucharist at the Guild Church of St Mary Aldermary, Ian Mobsby explores the meaning of sacraments and the eucharist.

It was with great excitement that Ian Mobsby had the opportunity to dialogue with Fr Richard Rohr concerning the importance of contemplative Christianity to the contemporary World. Fr Richard is the founder of the Center for Action and Contemplation, which seeks to deepen the impactfulness of Christian discipleship and wisdom drawing on non-dualistic, ego-transcending and gospel inspired activity. Fr Richard is a Catholic Franciscan Brother with an international speaking and teaching ministry. He has written many books and DVDs and has contributed much to the development of the Christian contemplative tradition in Western Europe and North America. In this interview Richard Rohr discusses a number of issues and thoughts pertenant to many of us who are explore new ways of being church engaged in contemporary mission who do so drawing on a distinctively contemplative Christian perspective. This podcast was recorded on 27th May 2011.

In this podcast Tessa Holland, priest, speaker, contemplative practitioner and spiritual director explores the theme of ‘An exploration of the apostolic dimension of the contemplative way’. This address was recorded at the national conference exploring the place of contemplative expressions of church, contemporary mission and fresh expressions of the church at the London Centre for Spirituality on Monday 16th May 2011.

In this podcast Ian Adams, priest, speaker, writer and new monastic explores the theme of ‘Post-secular spiritual questers – an opportunity for mission’. This address was recorded at the national conference exploring the place of contemplative expressions of church, contemporary mission and fresh expressions of the church at the London Centre for Spirituality on Monday 16th May 2011.

In this podcast Ian Mobsby, priest, speaker, writer and new monastic explores the theme of ‘The Trinity as Christian Spirituality and forms of the church’. This address was recorded at the national conference exploring the place of contemplative expressions of church, contemporary mission and fresh expressions of the church at the London Centre for Spirituality on Monday 16th May 2011.

In this podcast David Cherry, priest, lecturer and spiritual director, gives the key note address at the national conference exploring the place of contemplative expressions of church, contemporary mission and fresh expressions of the church. David explores the theme of ‘The importance of Christian spirituality as a vehicle for mission’. This was recorded at the London Centre for Spirituality in London and at the Church of St Mary Woolnoth in the City of London in Monday 16th May 2011.

In this the final of three podcasts recorded on the 1st Febrary 2011 at the London Centre for Spirituality for the launch of the new book New Monasticism as fresh expressions of the church (Second book in the Ancient Faith Future Mission Series), a panel of practitioners and missioners dialogue with a gathered audience to explore the importance of New Monasticism. The panel includes Aaron Kennedy and Ian Mobsby from the Moot Community, Graham Cray the Archbishop’s Missioner and Leader for Fresh Expressions, Ian Adams from CMS Small Missional Communities, Cris Rogers of the All Hallows Bow Church Community, Andy Freeman of 24-7 and the Reconcile Community, Diane Kershaw of the Order of Mission, Tessa Holland of Contemplative Fire, and Brother Sam of the Anglican Franciscans.

Ian Mobsby interviews the artist Adam Boulter about the current art exhibition being shown in the Guild Church of St Mary Aldermary which explores the last days of Jesus’ life, death and resurrection. Stations of the Cross and Resurrection, are an ancient artistic form of devotional spirituality, that explores the depth of the Christian divine story. In this podcast, Ian and Adam explore the importance of art in spirituality, and the tradition of stations of the cross.

At the Moot Community Easter Sunday Service, Aaron Kennedy explores the shock, beauty and paradox of the resurrection, and what it means for Christians in 21st Century at different stages in the spiritual journey of faith. This is followed by the Easter Peace and a hymn. Christ is Risen, He is Risen Indeed!

On Good Friday 2011, Ian Mobsby explores the meaning of Tridium, in the passion story of the death of Jesus Christ, recorded after the Westminster Churches Together Procession in Central London.

At the Moot Community Palm Sunday Service, Andy Freeman explores the the story of Christ’s entry into Jerusalem. Traditionally this is called the triumphal entry, but the truth is, it is anything but triumphal. In the Hebrew imagination of the time, the Messiah was a political figure who would bring change by might. Jesus is a very different type of Messiah with a very different form of Kingdom. This podcast was recorded in the home of Moot, at the Guild Church of St Mary Aldermary in the City of London.

In this the fifth element of the Moot Community’s Lent Course ‘Giving it up for Lent’ Ian Mobsby addresses the theme of Grace, Trust and Spiritual Surrender as the 3rd step of the 12 step approach to spiritual transformation.

In this podcast Vanessa Elston explores the theme of transcending the ego and dying to self, recorded at the Church of St Mary Aldermary in the City of London in April 2011.

In this the third session of the Moot Lent Course ‘Giving up for Lent’, Vanessa Elston explores the theme of spiritual practices that give you life.

In this the second of six podcasts, Vanessa Elston explores the theme of life in the spirit and life in the body, drawing on the biblical text of Matthew 7:13-14 concerning The Narrow Gate: ‘Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road is easy that leads to destruction, and there are many who take it. For the gate is narrow and the road is hard that leads to life, and there are few who find it.

This podcast was recorded for the Moot Community Lent Course at the Guild Church of St Mary Aldermary entitled ‘Giving up for Lent’.

On the Second Sunday of Lent, Julie Dunstan explored the Gospel text of John 3.1-17 using an amusing poem by an ancient mystic at the Moot Eucharist. Julie opens up the challenge of the Christian faith drawing on contemplative roots of the faith, which is at its heart, about getting beyond the ego and humility.

Julie Dunstan is a Spiritual Director, Psychotherapist, and has led a number of Contemplative Prayer Development Days for the Moot Community. Soak up the wisdom of Julie’s considerable experience and Christian spirituality.

In the first of six podcasts, Vanessa Elston explores the theme of personal transformation.  This was recorded in the Moot Community’s ‘Giving Up for Lent’ course at the Guild Church of St Mary Aldermary in the City of London on Wednesday 17th March 2011.

Drawing on the writings of Michael Colclough, the former Bishop of Kensington, Ian Mobsby explores the meaning behind the season of Lent.

In this the second of three podcasts recorded on the 1st Febrary 2011 at the London Centre for Spirituality for the launch of the new book New Monasticism as fresh expressions of the church (Second book in the Ancient Faith Future Mission Series), a panel of practitioners and missioners discuss the importance of New Monasticism. In this second podcast we hear from Ian Adams from the CMS Small Missional Communities Network, Cris Rogers from the All Hallows Church Community, Brother Sam from the Anglican Franciscans based at Hilfield House in Dorset finishing with a summary from Ian Mobsby, part of the Moot Community.

At the Moot Eucharist Service on Sunday 20th February 2011 in the Church of St Mary Aldermary in the City of London, Aaron Kennedy explores the theme of Eucharistic Living.

In this the first of 3 podcasts recorded on the 1st Febrary 2011 at the London Centre for Spirituality for the launch of the new book New Monasticism as fresh expressions of the church (Second book in the Ancient Faith Future Mission Series), a panel of practitioners and missioners discuss the importance of New Monasticism. In this first podcast we hear from Bishop Graham Cray, the Archbishops Missioner and Leader for Fresh Expressions, Andy Freeman of the 24-7 Prayer Network and Reconcile New Monastic Community in Reading, Tessa Holland of the Contemplative Fire Community, Aaron Kennedy of the Moot Community and Diane Kershaw of the Order of Mission.

In the first Sunday of Epiphany, Sarah Edwards, participant in the Moot Community and Head of Policy and Campaigns for the International Charity Health Poverty Action, explores the nature of Christ as the Prince of Peace and of Justice.  Further, Sarah explores the practical implications of living with a focus on justice.

In this podcast recorded by the Fresh Expressions Team, Vanessa Elston and Ian Mobsby discuss with Norman Ivison the New Monastic basis to the Moot Community, and its vision now at St Mary Aldermary to engage with never churched spiritual seekers.

In this Reflection Series of the Moot Community Podcast, Aaron Kennedy, Jonny Spoor and Ian Mobsby discuss the place of Christian Meditation as a spiritual practice. In the Moot Community Rhythm of Life is the commitment to the practice of prayer and meditation (daily, rhythmic, individual and in community). So what are the benefits? What does meditation bring? How do you start? And how do you sustain regular meditation? This podcast seeks to engage with these issues, and ends with some advice from one of our teachers, the Benedictine Monk John Main.

In this podcast of the Moot Contemplative Service on the Second Sunday of Advent 2010, Vanessa Elston draws on the two lectionary readings of the day (Isaiah 11:1-10 and Matthew 3:1-12) to explore the theme of faith being an invitation to open up the spiritual landscape our lives, led by a loving God. Vanessa goes further to the challenge of Moot’s Rhythm of Life, Spiritual Practices and Postures as the means by which God is seeking to inspire to digger deeper.

In this Moot podcast recorded on Sunday 21st November 2010, Ian Mobsby explores the theme of Hope and Resilience on the Sunday when the wider church celebrates the festival of Christ as King. Reflecting on the lectionary reading Luke Chapter 23, Ian explores Christ’s call to resilient love.

In October 2010, Ian Mobsby gave this recorded paper to the gathered Fresh Expressions Roundtable Number 5 for the promotion of Fresh Expressions of the Catholic and Contemplative Traditions at Lambeth Palace. This paper addresses the subject of the Challenge of Mission and Formation with Fresh Expressions of the Church.

In December 2010, the long awaited second book in the series Ancient Faith Future Mission is published in the UK by Canterbury Press on the whole area of New Monasticism and Fresh Expressions of Church.This book will have chapters from Shane Claiborne, Tessa Holland, Graham Cray, Andy Freeman, Diane Kershaw, Ian Mobsby, Ray Simpson, Ian Adams, Tom Sine, Philip Roderick, Mark Berry and Abbot Stuart Burns.

In this podcast Ian Mobsby reads an extract from his contribution to the book.  There will be two launch events in January 2011 for the book, the first in London and the second we hope in Manchester.  Information on both will be put on the Fresh Expressions website, and New Monasticism Network site

In the Moot Eucharist Service on Sunday 17th October 2010, Ian Mobsby explores the theme of endurance and waiting.

In a recent broadcast with the Australian Broadcasting Authority, Laurence Freeman of the World Community for Christian Meditation led a number talks on the subject of meditation and spirituality in the modern life.  Laurence is a Benedictine Monk, and the World Community have a community house in Kensington.  We hope to do a podcast interview with Laurence sometime in the near future.  To listen to the podcast, see below.

In this podcast recording of the homily in a Moot Community Eucharist on the 19th September 2010, Vanessa Elston explores the gift of Communion or Eucharist as a sign of God’s unconditional love of us.  Not only this, but such a gift of belonging in the community that is the Triune God, opens the importance of human community, and tha challenge to sink roots that are beyond the temporary.

In this Moot Community Podcast Kester Brewin - writer, speaker and teacher - dialogues with Ian Mobsby about the Other, Technology and New Monasticism.  There are some really interestng insights here, about the mathematician as mystic, artist and philosopher.  As well as teaching and writing, Kester is one of the founders of ‘Apple’, an important space for dialogue about the modern world, technology and human-wellbeing.

In this, the second of two podcasts, the conversation between Phyllis Tickle and Ian Mobsby continues with an exploration of models of church, participation and commitment to faith communities and new monasticism. We apologise for the loss of sound quality at points in this recording caused by an electrical storm over Phyllis Tickle’s house in the south of the USA. So listen nd enjoy, Phyllis is a great person to converse with.

In this first of two podcasts, Phyllis Tickle dialogues with Ian Mobsby about Emergence Christianity, New Monasticism and Trinitarian Theology. This recording was made in the middle of an electrical storm over Phyllis’s home in the south of the USA, so apologies for the occasional crackles and reduction of sound at the ending of the first podcast.

In this podcast interview, Brian McLaren dialogues with Ian Mobsby exploring the future of church and mission in the US and UK. Brian is an international author, speaker and pastor associated with emergent and emerging church in the USA and around the world. Brian addressed the International Anglican Lambeth Conference in 2008. In this podcast, a wide range of issues are discussed including new monasticism, mission to spiritual seekers, and the challenge of church in the twenty first century.

In this podcast Lucas Mix, Chaplain to the University of Arizona and former Curate to the Church of the Apostles in Seattle, explores the parable of the Good Samaritan to explore the theme of what keeps us from crossing the road.

In this Podcast of the Eucharist at the Moot Community on 13th June 2010, Vanessa Elston explores the theme of Christ’s call for the conversion of head and heart. This homily is the second in the series exploring Moot’s proposal to develop its new monastic basis with some virtues, spiritual practices and postures.

Vanessa Elston is a member of the moot community, a teacher, a mother and a student of theology – who has substantial experience of being involved in the UK alternative worship and emerging church movements. Vanessa, as a member of the Lounge Project Team, is currently helping us to explore the possibility of piloting a formation approach to Christian practices drawing on the wisdom of the twelve step programme.

In this the final of four podcasts recorded at the Moot spiritual retreat in May 2010, Mark Berry explores the theme of the nature of God concerning participation and being sent. Drawing on Gospel texts, Mark explores how Christian communities are drawn into this same nature – of participation and being sent, so that the church is called also to be a missional community.

In this third of four podcasts, Mark Berry explores the importance of Communitas, how the Trinity challenges the church to be missional in its DNA.

In the second of his four reflections, Mark Berry reflects on the importance of Perichoresis and its implications for being a participative spiritual community. Recorded on a spiritual retreat of the Moot Community On the weekend of 14th-16th May 2010. Mark Berry, Missioner and leader of the Safespace Community led the retreat. This is the 2nd of 3 recordings.

On the weekend of 14th-16th May 2010, the Moot community held a short spiritual retreat to explore the theme of participating in God. Mark Berry, Missioner and leader of the Safespace Community led the retreat. This is the 1st of 4 recordings. The handouts for the session will be uploaded shortly.

On the 5th Sunday of Easter 2010, Aaron Kennedy gave this homily exploring the emerging churches calling to promote forms of faith that reach beyond the ego. New monasticism constributes an ancient approach, using virtues, spiritual practices and postures.

In this weeks podcast, Ian Mobsby explores the theme of Christ’s Resurrection alongside the calling for hope and risk-taking to replace fear. Shalom, the Jewish theologial understanding of God’s outworking of love in and to the world, becomes the Kingdom of God, and the disciples are challenged to live out this love in the Kingdom, through the peace of God’s Shalom in openness to the world. This is our challenge as emerging and fresh expressions of church, to catch up with what God is already doing.

If you neglect your inner self, then in extreme circumstances you will be held captive by your inner compulsions and addictions, which will feel like you are being controlled by an outer force preventing your autonomy.  It will literally feel like you are being controlled by a demon. It is important that we face our need for inner freedom as well as outward liberation.

In this podcast, Brother Samuel shares his insights into the contribution of Franciscan Spirituality to the ongoing Christian tradition, as well as explore a particularly Franciscan reflection on New Monasticism.

Brother Samuel like Abbot Stuart are wise and very encouraging for those exploring new, emerging and fresh expressions of church. Ian found ther advice about engaging with spiritual seekers, particularly helpful. So take in the wisdom of this committed Franciscan Friar!

Prayer of St Francis of Assisi

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace,

Where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon;

where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope;

where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy;

O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console;

to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive;

it is in pardoning that we are pardoned;

and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

This is the second podcast from Martin, scroll down below to listen to the conversation between Martin and Ian Mobsby

Apologies for the slight interference in this recording.  We have worked out why, and it won’t happen in future recordings.

People are no less spiritual today than they were in the past, but they are a lot less religious - at least, in a formal sense.  A disconnect has ocurred between religion and spirituality: people no longer see religion or Church as the natural setting in which to explore or express their spiritual aspirations.  So they are drifting away from churches in droves.  However, they are not doing so because they no longer believe in God, or because they have no hunger or interest in the spiritual aspect of life, but because, in their experience of Church, they are neither finding a faith they can believe in, not an existential spirituality that can sustain their souls in an age of anxiety and estrangement.

In a previous podcast, Jonny Spoor of the Moot Community talked to Ian Mobsby about his experience of participating and living in the L’arche community in France. He went there for his summer holiday from studying.  Here he lived in a house with Jean Vanier and loved and served in L’arche, possibly one of the most important new monastic inspired communities in the world.  Jonny recently went back to interview Jean Vanier about his experiences, theology and thinking to write an article for the Student Christian Movement magazine, and whilst he was there, he recorded some of the wisdom of the conversation.  So this podcast is more unusual than the ones we usually do, in that it pulls together Jean Vanier’s thinking where you can’t hear the questions Jonny has asked.  It however, allows the listener to engage with the remarkable wisdom of this important visionary and activist.  For those in the emerging church, fresh expressions and new monasticism, there is much here to aid us in our quest to build ecclesial communities out of contextual mission.

His first book, The Irresistable Revolution is a key envisioning texts for all those interested or involved in New Monasticism. It has been a core text for many involved in New Monasticism in the UK and Europe. In this book Shane outlines his experiences of working as a volunteer in Calcutta in India, in a community overseen by Mother Teressa, and how this opened up a whole way of being Christian that up to that point, he had been unaware of. Shane is a founding Member of the Simple Way Community in Philedelphia, one of the early new-monastic communities.

Be prepared to be inspired! Lets keep up with Shane’s visit to Iraq in January 2010, and hopefully we may even have him a long to a moot event in the not too distant future.

The problem with Christianity is that it forgets too easily Christ the human being, preferring God the superbeing. The reality of the Incarnation is that there is a lot more to God the Redeemer than the Holy Rescue Effort. God coming as a human being is the fulfilment of all creation, and an incredible gift of love to humanity.

Part of disappointment with this time of year, is that we sense within ourselves that merely exchanging presents with each other doesn’t really honour the birth of the incarnation of God.

Friendship is not some gimmick that we can market as a way of successfully living a Christian life.  It is not even primarily about about an act of will or making friendships in a calculating way.  Friendship as a spiritual practice, as the mark of a disciple, as a proclamation of the Good News of the Reign of God  – this friendship is about entering into authentic relationships, relationships of vulnerability and trust, relationships of mutuality and care.  In allowing ourselves to be affected by who we live with and how we live with them, by the gifts we receive in and from our friends, we open ourselves to being transformed by love and so enlarging the realm of God: the kinship and new community proclaimed by Christ.  That, my friends, would be Good News!

We will soon be putting information on this Rhythm of Life Service on the Mootblog with a film and images.

To see more information on Moot’s Rhythm, see the link on the right hand tool bar on the Mootblog.

The Moot Rhythm of Life Specifices Balance as:

We aspire to live with integrity in the City, striving as a community for balance between work, rest and play.  We wish to develop healthy spiritual disciplines such as daily prayer, meditation and contemplation, drawing on the ancient Christian paths.  We want to live within our means, living sustainable lives. We desire to not be simply consumers, but people committed to giving and receiving in all of life.

On Sunday 15th March 2009, Ian Mobsby of the Moot Community joined a recorded discussion in Sydney exploring the above title on Australia’s ABC National Radio. In the discussions, the group explored the importance of Emerging and Fresh Expressions of Church engagement with our increasingly post-christian post-secular culture.  For a link to the radio show click here

As usual, if you would like to comment on this podcast discussion, please do so on the Mootblog

In a time of global economic depression, Bishop Richard challenges the Church to practice a radical form of love and a practical form of spirituality. This podcast was recorded in the second week of Lent 2009, as part of the Moot Podcast Big Questions Series.

The Moot Community will soon stand before the Bishop of London on Easter Saturday, to affirm to its Rhythm of Life.

If you would like to comment on this or any other of the Moot podcasts, please do so on the moot blog site.

At this time, the Moot Community is exploring its ‘new monastic’ elements of its Rhythm of Life, to dig deep, in preparation for the community to recommit to these vows on Easter Saturday 2009, in the Crypt of London’s St Paul’s Cathedral.

We desire to be accountable to one another, to grow and journey together, listening to each other for wisdom rather than just trusting ourselves. We want to have a willingness to share life, rather than to privatize it and we seek to walk together in a deep way rather than as strangers who only know the surface of each other.

hospitality We wish to welcome all who we come across, when we are gathered and when we are dispersed, extending Christ’s gracious invitation to relationship, meaning and life in all its fullness through our deeds, words and thoughts.

This podcast kicks off the new year with the homily from the Moot Little Service led by Raewyn and Peter Thomas, both members of the Community on 4th January 2009, on the theme of epiphany.

‘Look, Mary shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel’, which means, ‘God is with us.’

My soul proclaims to the greatness of the Lord My spirit rejoices in God my Saviour For he has brought favour on his lowly servant. From this day all generations will call me blessed, The Almighty has done great things, and Holy is God’s name.

2 Corinthians 4 For it is God who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness’, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ… But we have this treasure in clay jars, so that it may be made clear that this extraordinary power belongs to God and does not come from us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be made visible in our bodies. For while we live, we are always being given up to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus may be made visible in our mortal flesh. So death is at work in us, but life in you.

Tom Sine international author, researcher and speaker, led a homily and discussion in the Moot Evening Alt Compline service tonight. He explored the implications of the current global economic slowdown and its affects on the poor, and for those under 40 who are attempting to make their way in life.  In particular he explored the depressing realities around house ownership, and the issue of sustainability.  The housing model of the nucleur family is just not sustainable or possible anymore.  Increasingly Christians need to explore another way, or rather re-imagine community and intentional community as the outworking of reduced carbon foot print and the sharing of resources.  There’s a lot in here, so enjoy.  This is part one of two podcasts recorded this evening.

For information on the book, or to place an order, click here

L’Arche is based firmly on Christian roots. We try to help all our members to develop their own spiritual life. In a divided world, L’Arche aims to be a sign of hope and unity. We are Communities of faith in the Christian tradition. We welcome people of all faiths or none. Whatever people believe about God we welcome and respect them. People in our Communities come from different cultures, countries, religious groups and faiths. Everyone is encouraged to deepen their faith, following their own traditions. Some L’Arche members belong to particular churches. We encourage them to attend their local places of worship. Each Community invites people come together to pray and celebrate if they wish. Local priests and ministers often help us to shape and guide our worship. Members with learning disabilities sometimes have special needs when it comes to worship. We try to help them feel fully involved and experience God for themselves. Some of them may not easily understand words. We use music, gesture and mime in prayers and services.

In his book, The Becoming of G-d (YTC Press, 2008), Ian Mobsby explores how some emerging churches have reappropriated an ancient Trinitarian understanding of the faith as a model for church and spirituality in the C21st. Can a renewed understanding of the Trinity help us be and do church - and help us in the task of our own human becoming. To listen to a preview, click below.  To purchase the full thing from Greenbelt, click here

The MP3 is available for purchase.  For info on the book , ciick here

In baptism it is God who names us in the name of the Creator, Redeemer and Companion.  It is God who initiates the relationship as a sign of original blessing, but where we as adults can make a choice whether to live in this gift.

In a new form of podcasting at Moot, Aaron Kennedy leads a new programme of interviews with a number of interesting and influential people involved at the interface between spirituality, politics, religion and contemporary culture. The first of these interviews kicks off with Ian Mobsby author, pastor and ordained priest, to explore why the Trinity is becoming an important basis for new forms of church seeking new/ancient forms of worship, mission and community in the 21st century.

For more information on the book, or to order a copy internationally please do click here. This interview explores how God modelled in Trinitarian persons inspires us to be an authentic Christian Spiritual community of persons, seeking to dig deep in culture that usually lives at the surface of things. All proceeds from book sales are ploughed back into the work of the Moot Community. Watch for Aaron’s next interview.

Ian Mobsby

As God expresses identity in the Trinity, the Becoming of G-d, so we are called to follow God and find identity in being Christian Community, where we become Human Becomings as the visible body of Christ.  If we live there, then we can catch up with what God is doing to bring hope, justice and belonging to the world.

The Church is not just the Eucharistic community, but is an extension of the incarnation; it encompasses all matter, all creation, all of humanity where the Holy Spirit is at work… There is a difference between tradition and traditionalism, as the outworking of the Holy Spirit through risk since Pentecost.  Tradition is life-giving where traditionalism fossilises and kills.  Many churches steeped in traditionalism have become liturgical ghettos.  The true nature of the Church since Pentecost, is to be outward-looking, open to the promptings of the Holy Spirit, and willing to take risks: it should be a missionary community.  A Community of Servants full of love”.

In the City of God there will be no more night. Just the glory of the risen One. He will write his name on our foreheads, and we will worship him forever. And it won’t be much longer now.

In fact Jesus even models this process in his own life of incarnation (birth, blessing, construction), testing & crucifixion (deconstruction) and resurrection (reconstruction). It is not an easy journey for us to follow. But it is not a journey where will not be tested and doubt.

Being a ‘back-slider’ is an authentic part of the journey. Those who don’t, are stuck in fundamentalism. The Emerging church, is inspiring us to live with an emerging faith.

This homily was recorded in Easter after Sam led a Moot Community Small Service in Lent 2008.

Good Friday. How is it possible, that on this day, when we remember Jesus the man and his painful walk from Jerusalem, carrying his cross to the hill of Golgotha. When we humanity killed the incarnation of God in human flesh. How can this Friday possibly be called Good? Good Friday?

And Jesus was disturbed by the crying of Mary & Martha and the Jews that followed them … And Jesus wept … So Jesus stood before the tomb … And said … Lazarus come out … And said … loosen the bands that bind him.

There is a profound link between a spiritual thirst, prayer and encountering Christ today.

Mother Teresa put it well when after four hours at prayer, she said to a gathering of people:

“Jesus wants me to tell you again … how much is the love He has for each one of you–beyond all what you can imagine. Not only He loves you, even more–He longs for you. He misses you when you don’t come close. He thirsts for you. He loves you always, even when you don’t feel worthy. Why does Jesus say ‘I thirst’? What does it mean? Something so hard to explain in words– … ‘I thirst’ is something much deeper than just Jesus saying ‘I love you.’ Until you know deep inside that Jesus thirsts for you–you can’t begin to know who He wants to be for you. Or who he wants you to be for him.”

This is the profound mystery about the nature of contemplative forms of prayer. That through the Holy Spirit, and the power of our imagination, we too can encounter Christ - today.

To the poverty of our human minds the possibility of a destiny conceived by God, and freedom, seem contradictory. Yet it is not so. For the wisdom of God and God’s respect for each person is so great, that a destiny of ultimate fulfilment, and individual freedom, are gently married, and the glory of God and of creation flows from this union. God has the secret of loving us to freedom, inviting us to share in the creativity of love. Because so many of us have experienced a love coming from parents – or others – that is stifling or crippling or possessive, it is difficult to believe we are loved by a love that brings us to freedom, and that God’s plan goes far beyond the wonder and beauty of the creation we know … Yes the deepest song of everything in creation reflects the unity of the Trinity: three persons poured out in love for one another.

A participative model of the church requires more than just values and practices that correspond to participative institutions. The church is not first of all a realm of moral purposes; it is the anticipation, constituted by the presence of the Spirit of God, of the eschatological gathering of the entire people of God in communion with the triune God. Hence the church needs the vivifying presence of the Spirit, and without this presence, even a church with a decentralised participative structure and culture will become sterile, and perhaps more sterile even than a hierarchical church. For it will either have to operate with more subtle and open forms of coercion. Successful participative church life must be sustained by deep spirituality. Only the person who lives from the Spirit of communion (2 Cor. 13:13) can participate authentically in the life of the ecclesial community.