TWO STORIES—CHRISTMAS and XMAS

Sunday 4 December 2016

TWO STORIES – CHRISTMAS AND XMAS The various elements of the Birth Narratives in Matthew and Luke are theological constructs intended to convey revealed truths about God; the power of divine vulnerability, bias to the poor, the universality of divine love. We shall look at the elements of ‘Xmas’ , the 25th December as celebrated in 21st C Britain, such as gift giving, conditional hospitality, indulgence in rich foods and drink, and ask “How far does all this reflect the New Testament Christmas stories? Or is a completely different set of values in operation?” Please contribute any Christmas or Xmas stories (real or fictional) that throw light on these questions!

Location:

Friends Meeting House, Newcastle under Lyme

Speaker:

We now have a different speaker, David Simcock and please note the start time of 7:30pm.

Pianting the Stars - a second session

Monday 28 November 2016

We shall watch the second part of the DVD & be led in a guided discussion by David Cotterell

Location:

St Mary's Church Centre, High St. Albrighton WV73EQ

Speaker:

DVD from "Living The Questions" series

‘What is the point of religion?’

Monday 28 November 2016

At the November meeting, two members, John Wilmett and John Stevenson, will be giving their perspective on 'What is the point of religion?' We look forward to a lively discussion! Everyone is welcome. Tea/coffee available from 7.15.

Location:

Thje Cluny Centre, Braid Road,,Edinburgh, EH10 6DN

Launch of Brighthelm Progressive Church

Saturday 26 November 2016

Coming this Saturday! First ever gathering of Brighthelm Progressive Church! 5pm, Brighthelm Centre, North Road, BN1 1YD. Service will include a reflection on some wisdom of Jesus for our journey and a simple communion. We'll also talk together about our embryonic vision for a progressive church while sharing some food. Come and join in - all are welcome!

Location:

Brighthelm Centre

Marcus Borg ‘Speaking Christian’ Chapter 8-9 - Jesus Death / Easter

Friday 25 November 2016

Speaker:

Led by David & Frances Hawkey

November Meeting:  A bad Christian?

Thursday 24 November 2016

Discussion of Dave Tomlinson's 'How to be a bad Christian'

Location:

Hagley

Group monthly meeting

Wednesday 23 November 2016

Everything Must change.

Location:

Heaton Moor United church

Jung and our shadow side

Monday 21 November 2016

Peter Beresford will introduce the topic-: ' Jung's concept of the 'shadow side' of the personality: friend or foe to maturity of faith' and hopes we will all then discuss this from our perspectives and experience.

Location:

United Reformed Church, Hillmorton Rd Rugby, Prayer room

Speaker:

Facilitated by member

Progressive vs Procrastinating Christianity

Tuesday 15 November 2016

Location:

Pontprennau Community Church

Speaker:

Ed Hodge

Follow up from the Brian McLaren Event

Tuesday 8 November 2016

A Chance to consider what Brian McLaren said at the event in October

Location:

StThomas the Martyr church, Haymarket, Newcastle upon Tyne

Speaker:

Liz Temple

Report back from recent public conferences

Monday 7 November 2016

At our last meeting we agreed that our next would be a report back from those of us who have attended two recent speaking events: Brian McLaren at St Martin’s, and Bob Reiss and our own Julie Grove at Carrs Lane (standing in for Bishop Spong). Spong was present through a very excellent video; so was Julie, but in person. Please then come prepared to say a few words if you were present at any of these events, and together we’ll aim to make it all coherent.

Location:

12 Woodrough Drive, Moseley, B13 9EP

The Cross, Resurrection and Born Again, according to Marcus Borg

Sunday 6 November 2016

We continue our exploration of the approach which Marcus Borg takes to some basic Christian beliefs. This time we shall look at his view of Jesus, including his death and resurrection and if time will also consider what Marcus says about being 'born again'. PLEASE NOTE THE NEW START TIME OF 7:30PM

Location:

Friends Meeting House, Newcastle under Lyme

Speaker:

Nigel Jones

Regular Discussion Meeting

Tuesday 1 November 2016

A Discussion on 'Is a Radical Church Possible?'

Location:

St Peter's Church Room, Church Lane Drayton, OX14 4JS

Life- support in the Wilderness

Monday 31 October 2016

Location:

Cluny Centre, Braid Road Edinburgh

Speaker:

Michael Paterson

Bishop John Shelby Spong Maidenhead lecture EVENT CANCELLED

Sunday 30 October 2016

You are warmly invited to come to hear Bishop John Shelby Spong, author of ‘Biblical Literalism: A Gentile Heresy’ and many other titles. His talk is entitle, Into A New Christianity through the doorway of Matthew’s Gospel LATEST NEWS: We are very saddened to learn that on Saturday 10th September, Bishop Spong suffered a stroke. See ‘full details’ for more information.

Location:

High Street Methodist Church, King Street, Maidenhead, SL6 1EF

Speaker:

Bishop John Shelby Spong

The Evolution of God

Thursday 27 October 2016

This will be a discussion of Lectures Two and Three and the corresponding chapters in the Conference Reader - all available on the www.permissiontospeak.org.uk web site. See the menu 'From There to Where?' and please view or read in advance of the meeting.

Location:

Trinity URC St Albans

Speaker:

Video Lecture

Painting the Stars

Monday 24 October 2016

Vincent Van Gough said that “When I have a terrible need of – dare I say ‘religion’ – then I go outside and paint the stars.” We shall listen to the first part of a DVD entitled “Painting the Stars” which explores the promise of evolutionary Christianity. The meeting will be led by David Cotterell.

Location:

St Mary's Church Centre, High St. Albrighton WV73EQ

Speaker:

DVD from "Living The Questions" series led by David Cotterell

Is a Radical Church Possible?

Saturday 22 October 2016

Organised by the Oadby and Market Harborough PCN Groups

Location:

Oadby Trinity Methodist Church - LE2 4LA

Speaker:

Rev Adrian Alker

Is a Radical Church Possible?

Wednesday 19 October 2016

Adrian Alker is Chair of PCN Britain and is a recently retired Church of England priest. The talk and discussion will be based on Adrian's book (Is a radical church possible?) which was written to accompany the 50th anniversary of the publication of John Robinson's famous book "Honest to God".

Location:

Stirling Methodist Church, Queen Street, Stirlinf FK8 1HL

Speaker:

Adrian Alker

More on nudity in the Bible

Tuesday 18 October 2016

Location:

Pontprennau Community Church

Speaker:

John Henson