Here is the Biblefresh Scotland press release. Don't forget to come to one of the three launch events.
BIBLEFRESH LAUNCH IN SCOTLAND
Biblefresh is set to change the way people look at the bible. For many in our churches the Bible has become tedious and toxic, rather than treasured, trusted and true. Biblefresh will change this perception and is asking hundreds of churches, agencies, colleges, festivals and denominations to come on a one year journey in 2011 as together we seek to encourage, inspire and equip Christians across the UK to a greater confidence and appetite for the Word of God.
Biblefresh will be launched at the Church of Scotland’s General Assembly where well known theologian and broadcaster, Elaine Storkey will join with Krish Kandiah at Carrubbers Christian Centre in Edinburgh at 7.30 on Monday May 24th to introduce the four strands of Biblefresh - Reading the Bible, Bible training, Bible translation and Bible experiences.
A book inspiring Christians to reconnect with the Bible will be launched during these events on May 24th and 25th. The Biblefresh book is a collection of essays written by Christians from a variety of churches and organisations and is the key resource of the Biblefresh movement. The contributors’ main objective is to share their wisdom in order to help Christians to re-engage with the Bible in a practical way.
Krish Kandiah, Director of Churches in Mission at the Evangelical Alliance said: “This book is the indispensable guide to making the most of 2011 for promoting Bible reading. Packed full of practical advice and inspiring stories, make sure everyone in your church has a copy. Let’s see what God will do through the Bible in 2011 and beyond.”
Biblefresh also addresses the main challenges which surround Bible reading and offers valuable advice on how to confidently connect scriptures with everyday living. There are also tips on how to share the message in a creative way and how to reach different audiences. The Leaders Guide section addresses church leaders directly and challenges them to pledge to provide the opportunity for people to experience the Bible.
Reverend Gordon Kennedy, Minister at St Ninians Stranraer said: “Our imaginations for who we are, are shaped by so many things in our increasingly complex world and culture. Biblefresh brings a host of stunningly supportive resources into contact with that world. This book is a must read for anyone wanting the Bible to shape their imagination and identity in today’s world.”
Launch events take place on
May 24th at 12.30p.m. in Glasgow at Renfield St Stephen’s 260 Bath Street Glasgow G2 4JP
May 24th at 7.00 p.m. for 7.30p.m. At Carrubbers Christian Centre, 65, High Street, Edinburgh EH1 1SR
May 25th at 12.30p.m. At St Peter’s Free Church, 4, St Peter’s street, Dundee DD1 4JJ
Showing posts with label Bible Fresh. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bible Fresh. Show all posts
Thursday, 13 May 2010
Tuesday, 11 May 2010
Preaching re-imagined
There's a great post from my friend Albert on his blog, read it here.
Albert is responding to a post by Krish Kandiah on preaching as part of the biblefresh initiative, read that post here. I'll get to commenting of Krish's post soon.
I think Albert is right, we need to see preaching more intimately connected to the life of the congregation and the Christian than it often can be at present.
We need to encourage and affirm those hearing sermons to respond with questions and comments.
We need to create opportunities for this to happen in a safe environment, i.e. one where the preacher does not feel 'got at'.
This is a real challenge to us as preacher, and a significant change in engagement with preaching for those who listen. But I think it is worth it.
Albert is responding to a post by Krish Kandiah on preaching as part of the biblefresh initiative, read that post here. I'll get to commenting of Krish's post soon.
I think Albert is right, we need to see preaching more intimately connected to the life of the congregation and the Christian than it often can be at present.
We need to encourage and affirm those hearing sermons to respond with questions and comments.
We need to create opportunities for this to happen in a safe environment, i.e. one where the preacher does not feel 'got at'.
This is a real challenge to us as preacher, and a significant change in engagement with preaching for those who listen. But I think it is worth it.
Saturday, 27 March 2010
Biblefresh
The biblefresh web site is now live, you can visit it - http://www.biblefresh.com/
There are lots of good ideas to help us read the bible, to help us encourage others to read the bible. Why not visit this site, or better, why not read the bible - it could change your world!
Friday, 26 February 2010
Bible Fresh Podcasts
The EA have posted two download podcasts here.
One is from Krish Kandiah and the other from Bishop Tom Wright. These were recorded at the biblefresh launch in Durham in January.
There will be a biblefresh lauch in Scotland in May, watch out for dates and venues coming soon.
EasterLIVE
You can follow EasterLIVE on twitter or facebook, the idea is to share what Easter means for you in 140 characters or less. This project will run through Lent, I hope you will find it helpful.
Find EasterLIVE here:
on twitter
on facebook
Tuesday, 16 February 2010
Some biblefresh books
Krish Kandiah has posted on biblefresh books - here.
I thought I would join in on this.
1. Eugene H Peterson 'Eat This Book' is the second volume in Peterson's rightly acclaimed series on spiritual theology.
This is a first class book on the bible and on bible reading, which goes along way into the biblefresh stream of bible experience.
Peterson has a very good section on Lectio Divina, an ancient way of reading Scripture that refuses to leave the words on the page but insists that they enter into our lives every day. It is worth the price of the book for these pages alone.
I've an earlier post on this book here.
2. Alister McGrath 'In The Beginning'.
This book is subtitled 'The story of the King James Bible' and so is perfect reading for 2011 - biblefresh year.
McGrath is an excellent historian and theologian and his handling of the story of this massively important translation of the bible is of the highest order. Beginning before the decision to translate McGrath comments on English as language, the reformation, the printing of bibles and takes the story beyond 1611 with a glance toward the influence of the KJV.
If you are looking for a Christmas present for someone to lead them into 2011- you read it here first.
3. N T Wright 'Scripture and the Authority of God'
As is to be expected, this is a very readable book from Bishop Wright. The authority of scripture has become a battle ground in many of our denominations, if not also in congregations. I'm sure that not everyone who reads this blog will find NTW's thoughts on the authority of scripture persuasive. What you can't do is ignore them. This is a book that will help you think, or rethink, your understanding of the nature and authority of scripture - and we all need to do that every now and then. It is better to have a thought out position than a hand me down 300 year old one.
You might also want to check out Bishop Wright's essay on this theme, available on line here. And other good essay here.
4. Dale Ralph Davis 'The Word Became Fresh'
One for the preachers and home group leaders. The OT is a major area of concern for many Christians and many who are called upon to teach the scriptures.
This is an excellent help into reading and teaching the OT, especially those narrative texts that often seem most difficult to fit into the gospel.
I've also posted on this book before - here.
I hope you find these book suggestions helpful. But remember, when it comes to the bible there is no substitute for the real thing. Depend upon the Spirit and read the text.
I thought I would join in on this.
This is a first class book on the bible and on bible reading, which goes along way into the biblefresh stream of bible experience.
Peterson has a very good section on Lectio Divina, an ancient way of reading Scripture that refuses to leave the words on the page but insists that they enter into our lives every day. It is worth the price of the book for these pages alone.
I've an earlier post on this book here.
This book is subtitled 'The story of the King James Bible' and so is perfect reading for 2011 - biblefresh year.
McGrath is an excellent historian and theologian and his handling of the story of this massively important translation of the bible is of the highest order. Beginning before the decision to translate McGrath comments on English as language, the reformation, the printing of bibles and takes the story beyond 1611 with a glance toward the influence of the KJV.
If you are looking for a Christmas present for someone to lead them into 2011- you read it here first.
As is to be expected, this is a very readable book from Bishop Wright. The authority of scripture has become a battle ground in many of our denominations, if not also in congregations. I'm sure that not everyone who reads this blog will find NTW's thoughts on the authority of scripture persuasive. What you can't do is ignore them. This is a book that will help you think, or rethink, your understanding of the nature and authority of scripture - and we all need to do that every now and then. It is better to have a thought out position than a hand me down 300 year old one.
You might also want to check out Bishop Wright's essay on this theme, available on line here. And other good essay here.
One for the preachers and home group leaders. The OT is a major area of concern for many Christians and many who are called upon to teach the scriptures.
This is an excellent help into reading and teaching the OT, especially those narrative texts that often seem most difficult to fit into the gospel.
I've also posted on this book before - here.
I hope you find these book suggestions helpful. But remember, when it comes to the bible there is no substitute for the real thing. Depend upon the Spirit and read the text.
Friday, 22 January 2010
Biblefresh and N T Wright
Over at slipstream on the EAUK site - here - a video clip has been published of N T Wright, one of the biblefresh bible champions talking about bible reading and Christian leadership. Just in case you don't want to go over to the EA site, which you should some time, here is the clip:
Tuesday, 12 January 2010
Biblefresh and Unity
I've copied the following from an email I received from Steve Clifford, the General Director of the EA UK. Alexandra is one of the great team at EAUK helping to coordinate the biblefresh initiative for 2011. As you read this, remember to come along to the biblefresh Scotland consultation on 25th Jan, 2 pm at the ICC in Glasgow.
The Bible: tedious, taboo and toxic... or transforming, treasured and true?
‘I met Msizi in the rural outskirts of Mpophomeni - a township near Durban, South Africa. I was there on my sabbatical last year as part of a team. Msizi did something that will stay with me for the rest of my life. As we handed her a food parcel she took it, put it aside, held out her Bible and said: ‘This is my daily bread’.
Msizi lives in the most basic of homes. Having lost her partner to HIV/Aids two weeks before I met her, she is left to raise four children on her own, whilst battling the disease herself. Yet this woman knows where her true source of nourishment comes from.
Today, the team of nine Brits on that Soul Action project run by Tearfund and Soul Survivor, all at various stages in life, all passionate about providing physical, spiritual and emotional care to the people of Mpophomeni, go on having learnt something from Msizi. To Msizi, the words of the Bible give life.’
This is one of Alexandra Lilley's reflections on her trip to South Africa. Alexandra is our Churches in Missions Project Coordinator and is another member of the Evangelical Alliance who, like you, is passionate about the Bible.
To pursue that common passion, the Alliance is bringing together over 50 different agencies, colleges, denominations and festivals, who work with the Bible but have never partnered all together before. Biblefresh is an initiative to help Christians renew their love for the Scriptures during 2011, the 400th anniversary of the King James Bible. Through Biblefresh, we aim to maximise and pool the resources God has provided, to build the Kingdom rather than individual empires.
As Alexandra coordinates stories from across the UK for the Biblefresh book being published in May 2010, her experience validates this truth: ‘We simply cannot experience the fullness of Christ without one another.’
I agree! Without unity, we have a hollow, incomplete experience of faith. It is, after all, Jesus’ heart for us, his people:
‘May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me.’ John 17:3
The Bible: tedious, taboo and toxic... or transforming, treasured and true?
‘I met Msizi in the rural outskirts of Mpophomeni - a township near Durban, South Africa. I was there on my sabbatical last year as part of a team. Msizi did something that will stay with me for the rest of my life. As we handed her a food parcel she took it, put it aside, held out her Bible and said: ‘This is my daily bread’.
Msizi lives in the most basic of homes. Having lost her partner to HIV/Aids two weeks before I met her, she is left to raise four children on her own, whilst battling the disease herself. Yet this woman knows where her true source of nourishment comes from.
Today, the team of nine Brits on that Soul Action project run by Tearfund and Soul Survivor, all at various stages in life, all passionate about providing physical, spiritual and emotional care to the people of Mpophomeni, go on having learnt something from Msizi. To Msizi, the words of the Bible give life.’
This is one of Alexandra Lilley's reflections on her trip to South Africa. Alexandra is our Churches in Missions Project Coordinator and is another member of the Evangelical Alliance who, like you, is passionate about the Bible.
To pursue that common passion, the Alliance is bringing together over 50 different agencies, colleges, denominations and festivals, who work with the Bible but have never partnered all together before. Biblefresh is an initiative to help Christians renew their love for the Scriptures during 2011, the 400th anniversary of the King James Bible. Through Biblefresh, we aim to maximise and pool the resources God has provided, to build the Kingdom rather than individual empires.
As Alexandra coordinates stories from across the UK for the Biblefresh book being published in May 2010, her experience validates this truth: ‘We simply cannot experience the fullness of Christ without one another.’
I agree! Without unity, we have a hollow, incomplete experience of faith. It is, after all, Jesus’ heart for us, his people:
‘May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me.’ John 17:3
Wednesday, 6 January 2010
Bible Fresh Launch
Wednesday, 23 December 2009
10 of the best
A list before Christmas. These are my ten of the best from this year over various categories and in no particular order:
1. Best CD.
Fred Drummond recommended this disc to me and I bought it at Keswick in the summer, it really is great and very highly commended.
2. Best project.
I've really enjoyed getting involved in the biblefresh project with the EA and the Bible Society. This is a very exciting opportunity in 2011 to celebrate the bible in English and to engage others with the bible during that year. Check out the web site from Jan 2010 - http://www.biblefresh.com/
3. Most challenging book
.
I've got three books on the list. The first one is Red Mood Rising by Pete Greig and Dave Roberts.
I want to learn to pray like this, I want to live in that place where pray is not something I do, but how I live.
This is not a book to read and put down, you really should read it and allow it to challenge your life.
4. Best gadget.
This is an old one. My 30gb ipod classic. I got it at Christmas 2006 and love it to bits. If only all gadgets were this useful.
5. Church law book.
There are not a lot of contenders in this category, but even if there were, my friend Marjory's book would still come out near the top.
An analysis of Church State relations which offers not only a new reading of the 1921 settlement, the role of the covenanters and the Confession of Faith in the Church State question. But best of all, the idea of diaconal sovereignty, a servent exercise of sovereignty which is not about rights, but service.
6. Wii game.
I tried for six months and both heirs, senior and junior, said together, that will be a rubbish game dad. When I bought Fifa 09 for myself I found I couldn't get near it for the two of them who decided it really was a great game. So it is, why would you want to up grade to Fifa 10? And for all you Rangers fans out there, it is worth it just to play Rangers and make Kris Boyd sprint for a whole game!!
7. Best song.
At Keswick we learned the song, 'By faith we see the hand of God'. I enjoy singing this song and rejoice in all that it affirms.
8. Best Greek Grammar book.
Again not a big category. But for all you Wenham students who want to take your Greek a bit further, Greek Grammar Beyond the Basics by Daniel B Wallace is very highly recommended.
9. Best worship event.
In October, just a few days before senior heir needed his appendix removed, we went to the Worship Central tour event in Dunfermline. It was a great night and very challenging in the area of creativity and church life/ministry.
1. Best CD.
Fred Drummond recommended this disc to me and I bought it at Keswick in the summer, it really is great and very highly commended.
2. Best project.
I've really enjoyed getting involved in the biblefresh project with the EA and the Bible Society. This is a very exciting opportunity in 2011 to celebrate the bible in English and to engage others with the bible during that year. Check out the web site from Jan 2010 - http://www.biblefresh.com/
3. Most challenging book
.I've got three books on the list. The first one is Red Mood Rising by Pete Greig and Dave Roberts.
I want to learn to pray like this, I want to live in that place where pray is not something I do, but how I live.
This is not a book to read and put down, you really should read it and allow it to challenge your life.
4. Best gadget.
This is an old one. My 30gb ipod classic. I got it at Christmas 2006 and love it to bits. If only all gadgets were this useful.
5. Church law book.
There are not a lot of contenders in this category, but even if there were, my friend Marjory's book would still come out near the top.An analysis of Church State relations which offers not only a new reading of the 1921 settlement, the role of the covenanters and the Confession of Faith in the Church State question. But best of all, the idea of diaconal sovereignty, a servent exercise of sovereignty which is not about rights, but service.
6. Wii game.
I tried for six months and both heirs, senior and junior, said together, that will be a rubbish game dad. When I bought Fifa 09 for myself I found I couldn't get near it for the two of them who decided it really was a great game. So it is, why would you want to up grade to Fifa 10? And for all you Rangers fans out there, it is worth it just to play Rangers and make Kris Boyd sprint for a whole game!!
7. Best song.
At Keswick we learned the song, 'By faith we see the hand of God'. I enjoy singing this song and rejoice in all that it affirms.
8. Best Greek Grammar book.
Again not a big category. But for all you Wenham students who want to take your Greek a bit further, Greek Grammar Beyond the Basics by Daniel B Wallace is very highly recommended.
9. Best worship event.
In October, just a few days before senior heir needed his appendix removed, we went to the Worship Central tour event in Dunfermline. It was a great night and very challenging in the area of creativity and church life/ministry.10. Best anniversary.
It was the St Ninians 125th, but the prize in this category has to go to John Calvin as we celebrated the 500th anniversary of his birth in July, with a cake and a book.
Friday, 6 November 2009
Bible Fresh
Things are beginning to pick up on the Bible Fresh front.
We have a group meeting in Scotland to prepare events and resources for the Bible Fresh initiative in 2011. This year is the 400th anniversary of the publication of the King James Version of the bible, and rather than simply celebrate an old book the plan is to encourage the church and many people to re-engage, or engage for the first time, with the bible for themselves.
There are to be four streams in this national initiative:
Bible reading
Bible experience
Bible training
Bible translation
Just now I'm working on some ideas for using blogs to help us engage with bible reading. Watch out for more news on this exciting project and please do pray for biblefresh: it could change your world.
We have a group meeting in Scotland to prepare events and resources for the Bible Fresh initiative in 2011. This year is the 400th anniversary of the publication of the King James Version of the bible, and rather than simply celebrate an old book the plan is to encourage the church and many people to re-engage, or engage for the first time, with the bible for themselves.
There are to be four streams in this national initiative:
Bible reading
Bible experience
Bible training
Bible translation
Just now I'm working on some ideas for using blogs to help us engage with bible reading. Watch out for more news on this exciting project and please do pray for biblefresh: it could change your world.
Wednesday, 29 April 2009
Bible Fresh
I was in London yesterday. The meeting I was attending was at the Salvation Army Internatinal HQ, from which you got this view of St Paul's from the south.
The meeting was part of the planning and preparation for 2011, a year of celebration at the 400th anniversary of the publication of the King James Bible.
This initiative is to be called Bible Fresh and will encourage the church to re-engage with the bible and seek to help many people encounter the bible for the first time. No doubt I'll have more on this is blog posts to come.
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