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The nature of belief: Big Questions interview

In this Moot Community podcast, Aaron Kennedy chats with Dr. Sally Alsford, a lecturer in theology at the University of Greenwich, and graduate of London Bible College, and Durham University. Yoga, the nature of belief, the climate change crisis, evangelical Christianity and the election of Barack Obama are some of the topics that get covered.

Dual Citizenship

Drawing on the famous text in Matthew, Ian Mobsby (drawing on the writings of N.T.Wright) explores the implications of Jesus' call to give to Caesar what is Ceasar's, and to give to God what is God's. For the last 500 years, there has been a divide between the sacred and the secular. However, recently, we have redescovered that not only is this wrong, but it is a myth. The truth as this text says, is that we find the sacred in the secular. Hence why Jesus acted and did what he did, with an incarnational sense of vocation. The change then for us is explore what this dual Citizenship means practically

Saints: Strength in Weakness

Ian Mobsby explores this months theme of the Moot Community, exploring why the Christian tradition venerates Saints. Rather than these people being towering figures of strength, many were pretty ordinary people striving for faith and spirituality in a somewhat difficult world.  What is it about these ordinary but complex radicals and mystics that makes them saints? And what can they teach us about strength from our weaknesses? How do our wounds become the basis for hope, love and action?
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.

Part 1: Tom Sine - Travelling in Turbulent Times & Imagination for the future

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

Part 2: Tom Sine - Travelling in Turbulent Times & Imagination for the future

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 two of two podcasts recorded this evening.

Experiencing the L'arche Community

Today's Big Questions Interview explores the experiences of Jonny Spoor, in his time at the L'arche Community in Trosly-Breuil, an hour outside of Paris.  In an interview with Ian Mobsby, Jonny explores the spirituality that lies behind the work of L'arche, and how it has impacted his belief and life as a participant in two Emerging/Fresh Expressions of Church in London and York.  Jonny helps us to face some of the issues concerning being human in the 21st century.
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.

Journeying with God in a world of uncertainty

Peter Rundell of the Moot Community, explores the place of God in the complexity of our lives, where our lives are a form of journey.  Peter draws on personal experience to explore where God has been present in his life, sometimes, when he did not know it until later. This homily was recorded at a Moot Alt Eucharist on Sunday 14th Sept 08.

Greenbelt 2008: What the Emerging Church & the Cappadocian Mothers & Fathers have in common

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

New Monasticism & Anglimergent

Mark McCleary completes a report exploring Church of the Apostles, (Sister Church to Moot) as an example of Anglimergent New Monasticism.  This podcast explores what this is about, including interviews with Karen Ward, Ian Mobsby and other members of Church of the Apostles.  For more information on New Monasticism, see info on the subgroup on Anglimergent here

Affluenza: how to get beyond consuming to try and fill your empty soul

Clare Catford, broadcaster, writer, theologian and member of the the Moot Community in London, explores the title ‘affluenza: how to get beyond consuming to try and fill your empty soul’.  Addiction is a very real issue in our contemporary culture, and one that needs careful thought and consideration from spiritual perspective. Clare draws on her own experience in dialogue with a number of scriptures from the Bible to explore this issue with some depth.  This homily is a re-recording of a homily given by Clare at a Moot alt.eucharist service in June 2008. The Moot Community read together the book ‘Affluenza’ by Oliver James.  Clare Catford has written a book entitled ‘addicted to love’  exploring the issue of addiction from a personal and spiritual perspective.  Clare will be speaking about her book and her experiences with addiction at this year's Greenbelt Festival in August 2008.