What’s on

 

The Call to Living Sustainably and its impact on Community, Fellowship and Mission.

 

We learn from our gardens to deal with the most urgent question of the time: How much is enough?

(Wendell Berry)

Contemporary Christianity’s theme for 2017 is: “Just Living in a Post-Truth World.” Join us for a half-day seminar to explore the inter-connectedness of concern for the poor, concern for creation, stewardship of the earth’s resources, and the transformative potential of the Christian commitment to these principles in this “post-truth” era. Contributors include:

• Prof. John Barry (QUB
• Jonny Hanson (Jubilee)
• David Smyth (Evangelical Alliance)

RSVP to: info@contemporarychristianity.net Twitter: @ContemChristian

Just Living in a Post-truth Society is Contemporary Christianity's theme for 2017. This will be an informal evening with Derek Poole and Diane Holt. There will be plenty of opportunity for discussion.   The post-truth society is frequently mentioned in the media. Derek and Diane will help us begin to explore:  

• what it means to live in a post-truth society
• what scripture has to say about the concept
• how people of faith can respond appropriately

Derek Poole used to work for ECONI and the Centre for Contemporary Christianity Diane Holt used to work for Tear Fund and now works for Thrive Ireland

Seminar and workshop with Vinoth Ramachanda and Steve Stockman

Saturday 27 May 10.00am to 12.30pm (Tea/coffee/registration from 9.30am)

Fitzroy Presbyterian Church Cafe Area, University Road, Belfast BT7 1HL      

The technological revolution of the past 20 years is still gaining pace - influencing how we buy goods and services, read newspapers, watch TV, listen to music, bank, use transportation and get new “Friends”! Technology and artificial intelligence initiatives (AI) will be even more ambitious in the next 20 years with driverless cars, robots, more workerless factories, drone deliveries and research in biotechnology for the treatment, managing and prevention of diseases.

Leading international Christian leader and thinker Vinoth Ramachandra and local Pastor Steve Stockman will bring their different perspectives to the significant challenges, threats and opportunities we face.

What are the particular challenges to people of faith and the local/global Church? Join us and be prepared to be provoked and challenged and to engage in discussion

Suggested contribution: £5.00

Bookings not essential but an email to info@contemporarychristianity.net would be helpful.

 Annual Public Theology Event in memory of Sir Fred CATHERWOOD

2^nd NOVEMBER 2017.  6.00-9.15pm at SKAINOS 241 Newtownards Road, Belfast. BT 4 1AF (Metro route 3A and street parking)

CHANGING the TERMS of CHRISTIAN PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT…

Christians are too often on the back foot in public debate. Michael Schluter will set out fresh thinking to enable Christians to change their approach to engaging in the public square.

SPEAKER: Dr Michael Schluter 

Dr Michael Schluter CBE is an economist and author, and speaks around the world to both Christian and secular audiences. He has co- founded many different organisations including the Jubilee Centre (Cambridge), Relationships Foundation, Relational Schools , Allia  and Keep Sunday Special Campaign (which famously defeated Mrs Thatcher in 1986 on the issue of Sunday shopping and still operates today).

PROGRAMME: Hot Meal available from 6.00-7.00pm –please book.  Outline Programme: Start at 7.00pm. After a short introduction Michael will speak for 45-50 minutes. There will then be group discussion on the issues raised in different contexts (e.g.  Business and Commerce, Schools, Health Sector Organisations and Churches) and then a time for more general questions and wider discussion.

The Catherwood Lecture in Public Theology has been held since 1998. This year’s event will present a paradigm shift in thinking from the individualism of Western culture to one which is built on biblical foundations. It will   be of special interest to people who want to engage in Christian-based reform of their organisations and wider society. Come and engage in how we might begin to transform organisations in a way which feeds upwards into policy and downwards into families and communities. Bookstall available with some of Michael’s books and publications

Suggested contribution for meal and evening £10.00 each. Please confirm your attendance by emailing info@contemporarychristianity.net  by 30^th October (to assist with catering)

Alternatively you can book at Eventbrite by 30 October.

Contacts: 21 Ormeau Avenue, Belfast BT2 8HD. T: 90325258 W: www.contemporarychristianity.net

Writer Philip Orr

Actor Brian Payne

Supported by Contemporary Christianity

In Philip Orr’s short but gripping play, Martin Luther looks back on the early years of his life. It is a story of a young man’s anguished search for peace of mind and his historic clash with the church hierarchy of the day. 

As we know, Luther was a key figure in the Protestant Reformation.

This performance will take place in the theatre at Culturlann, the Irish Language centre at the junction of the Falls Road and Broadway. It is situated in a former Presbyterian Church. 

The Centre for Contemporary Christianity is grateful for the opportunity to stage Philip’s play during the West Belfast Festival.

A vital part of the evening will be a panel discussion following the performance. A number of leaders inside the Protestant faith community will reflect on the significance of Luther and the Reformation for local Protestant communities in a time of social and cultural change.

By Philip Orr

Following a sold-out performance at Feile an Phobail in August, Contemporary Christianity is delighted to bring An Evening with Martin Luther to East Belfast as part of this year's CS Lewis Festival.  

An Evening with Martin Luther is a one-man drama, performed by Brian Payne, in which the famous reformer, now in middle age, looks back at his youth.  The play explores his relationship with his family, the church and the culture of Christian Europe in an era of change.  It will be followed by a panel discussion about the creation of the play and the issues that it may raise for today. 

East Belfast Network Centre is situated on Templemore Avenue. It is easily accessible by public transport on the Newtownards Road and Albertbridge Road. On-street parking is available. 

Tuesday 6 November
East Belfast Network Centre

7.30pm

£8

Book tickets at: http://eastsidearts.net/event/evening-martin-luther 

 

Speakers: Christophe Mbonyingabo (Rwanda) ; Useni Sibanda (Zimbabwe) and Derek Poole, Lesley Carroll and Diane Holt