Talk: Vulnerability

Talk: Father God - Kyle Henderson-Begg

What does it mean to think of God as father? Kyle Henderson-Begg brings his experience of mixed feelings about this and considers the importance of relationship to us and, according to the Bible, to God. Can a fresh look at how and why God is described as a father, together with our experience of God today, help to heal any hurt that arises when we think of a father God?

Talk: Bearers of hope - David Jennings

How can we bring hope where we live? David Jennings shares his experience of life in Bristol meeting people in difficult situations and trying to share God's love with them. It can sometimes feel like our faith life is purely personal, and it's good to remember how much God love us. But is this comfort only part of the life God wants for us? Can we believe that it's possible to share in suffering and bring hope and life too?

Talk: Rhythms and rituals episode 4 - Pentecost, the festival of Weeks - Owen Lynch

What does it mean to celebrate things that grow slowly? Owen Lynch looks at the Jewish festival that marked 50 days after Passover. In the time since offering first fruits of the harvest to God, more crops had grown and matured, and bread could be made that had time to rise. Offering this to God showed thanks for his provision of things that took time to get right. How often do we appreciate these things more than what we can get instantly, on demand, for ourselves? Pentecost also used to be understood as a celebration of the nation-defining law given to Moses so Jewish people could grow. Christians remember the Holy Spirit given to believers at the time of this festival too. What does God want us to know about what can happen when we let this Spirit define us and grow fruit slowly in us?

Talk: The spark in the dark - Marie-Anne Joiner

When life looks dark, what happens when light surprises us? Marie-Anne Joiner shares experiences of finding joy in difficulty and mystery, and how this can fuel creativity we all have. Everyone has stories worth sharing, but how do we find them? Can we learn to make space and silence to notice the fullness of God’s presence, like stars in the darkness?

Talk: Closed minds, blown minds, open minds - Karen Green

What difference does our state of mind make when we see new things happening? Karen Green shares experience of life in Bristol and looks at stories of people around Jesus who looked at God’s coming kingdom in different ways. Can getting to know Jesus better and growing our faith in him change the way we see the world, and develop open minds to new possibilities?