[Collette]

The first type of love we are exploring is eros.

Named after the Greek God of love and fertility eros was associated with the primal impulse to procreate, with sexual passion and desire.

Because eros was a primal emotion, ancient Greeks believed it to be a potentially dangerous and frightening form of love marked by a loss of control and discipline. Whilst this form of love may, in one respect, ensure that life continues and therefore the world does go on, is it really a satisfying form of love? Is it the only kind of love that you need?

[Collette]

Journaling can be a therapy, a release, an art form or a way of organising the world. Lent is a good time to set aside a few moments each day to reflect upon the Lenten themes of penitence and abstinence. If you remove those precious five minutes from your normal day what are you giving up? Is it really of value to you? What significance does your time have and how might you spend it in a rewarding and fruitful way?

[Collette]

Less popular now than they were but still available and widely used are the annually released York Courses.

These have a tried and tested formula with an audio CD of discussion starters featuring well known Christian contributors from a variety of traditions and denominations. A transcript of the CD, and a course book for participants allows participants to engage with the discussion they are listening to.

Each York Course follows its own theme and it may be worth looking at a couple before making your mind up which one you might use. We have a few years worth in the RRC!

If you have used one of these in the past do leave a comment so other members have an idea of how successful they may be.

[Collette]

Written by Kent University Reader in Theology and Religious Studies, Christmas as Religion takes a serious look at the religious nature of Christmas as it is celebrated today. Author, Christopher Deacy, argues that, whilst Christmas may not popularly be churchy these days, there is a lot of space for the spiritual. He foes on to explore the idea that Christmas may be a “secular religion” in itself. Unusually for a book looking at the intersection of faith and culture it concentrates a lot on radio rather than TV or film (although Christmas films do have their own chapter). This will be a fascinating book for anybody looking to engage their academic muscles in the holiday season.

[Collette]

If you’re looking for a last minute children’s play then look no further! Children don’t need to learn new songs to have fun. Brian Ogden’s Nursery Rhyme Nativities features three mini-nativity-plays, with songs set to the tunes of nursery rhymes. Once you get used to singing new words to old familiar tunes, it’s a lot of fun (as nativity plays should be). In addition to the words this contains sheet music so that if you’re unfamiliar with a rhyme you’ll be able to work it out or play it. But, that’s not all – there are even a few craft ideas at the back for use with the children as they rehearse over the weeks preceding the performance.

[Collette]

The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey, tells the story of the titular wood carver whose life is transformed at Christmas by an encounter with a child and his mother who ask him for a special commission of a set of nativity figures.

The Religious Resources Centre has created this pack, working with a local craftsman, to enable a creative retelling/illustration of the story using an opening wooden book and several wooden figures that can removed from it. The story book is also included.

The book may look like it’s for children but the plot twist brings a tear to many an adult eye!

We also stock the DVD at each site.

[Collette]

RRC staff miss having Stephen Cherry in the North East but we can remind ourselves of his insightful mind and sensitive theology with his ‘Barefoot Ways’. This concise little book contains material for every day from the start of Advent, through Christmas & Epiphany and all the way to Candlemas on February 2nd. With a poem, meditation or prayer for every day, this is a companion piece to “Barefoot Prayers” which does the same for Lent and Easter. Each day’s piece is presented by itself with no further comment, leaving the reader to reflect for themselves. Despite the way it leaves the reader open to make their own responses it is a very focussed book and comes highly recommended.

[Collette]

If getting involved with a church isn’t for you, then there are plenty of other opportunities to do something worthwhile during Advent which will keep alive the spirit of the season. In winter, in particular, North East foodbanks and homeless charities need extra support and volunteers. National organisations like Cafod, Oxfam, Save the Children and the NSPCC often ask for additional support but sometimes you need to apply well in advance so, if this is for you, perhaps you should investigate now. Perhaps you could organise a sponsored “Wear a Christmas Jumper to Work Day” and donate the proceeds to a relevant cause?
https://www.oxfam.org.uk/shop/oxfam-unwrapped/gifts-5to25

[Collette]

The crib scene doesn’t need to come out with the decorations and nor does it need to be orthodox! You could do something imaginative with your crib scene – see if you can out-do these examples – and send us a photo. If that’s not your cup of tea, think of a way to use the crib scene over the course of Advent (and maybe beyond). We know people who have set up the empty stable at the start of December and gradually moved Mary and Joseph, shepherds & wise men around their living room as they journey towards the crib. When the various characters arrive on at the appropriate time you might want to light a candle, raise a glass, share food or a short reflection.

[Author]

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