A weekend of night walks on the beach, survival techniques and worship around the campfire helped a group of young people from across a city switch off, connect with friends and learn more about God  

 

We're still in December, so it seems a bit much to be talking about the New Year – with or without resolutions. However, we want to point out a new resource coming in January to help all of us resolve to find and follow God in everyday life.

#FollowTheStar was the Church of England’s and Archbishops’ Advent and Christmas campaign. It was fantastic to see so many churches use the resources to encourage attendance and share the good news of Jesus Christ at this important moment in the year. 

Acts 435 was founded over a decade ago by the then Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu. Since then more than 30,000 people in need have been helped by the charity with demand rising by more than 50% since the start of the pandemic.

FEATURE / Since my appointment was announced back in December I have felt slightly like the pushmi-pullyu from Dr Doolittle; Facing the Diocese of Exeter as I prepare to leave well and toward the Diocese of London as I take opportunities to meet with people across London.

Widespread use of online worship following the coronavirus lockdown has helped ‘set free’ previously overlooked gifts of Christians with disabilities, the Church of England’s weekly online service will hear.

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, has launched a free national phone line as a simple new way to bring worship and prayer into people’s homes.

The Church of England’s General Synod has set new targets for all parts of the church to work to become carbon ‘net zero’ by 2030. 

An initiative bringing hope to thousands of people in a former Staffordshire coal-mining town will continue beyond lockdown as a model for supporting the community.

FEATURE / The Church of England’s digital communications team has trained more than 200 parishes in social media and writing for the web.