Bitesize chunks of faith

In this weeks episode Jono shares some insights he gained through an event run by a charity called Care for the family about parenting teenagers. The Charity has a powerful website with great resources for all sorts of situations from parenting to navigating grief and learning to communicate better. Check it out on cff.org.uk

In this weeks episode Jono reflects on a powerful conversation he heard in a podcast called the Carey Nieuhof leadership podcast (Episode 646) between a Christian leader Carey Nieuhof and an atheist professor of economics and author and podcaster Professor G (Scott Galloway).

The respectful way in which the conversation took place and the engaging content was a real antidote to much of the toxicity in public discourse today.

In this weeks episode Jono welcomes Stevie Mulrooney to the podcast. Stevie won the heart of the nation as he sang Ireland's call before an irish rugby international earlier this year and he shares a little about that experience and how his year has been since his memorable appearance on the late late toy show at Christmas. A remarkable young man!

He also sings Livin on a prayer.

In this weeks episode Jono reflects on the challenging topic of young people and the church and suggests some key elements that help young people's programmes to work well.

In this weeks episode Jono shares a little bit about some of the behind the scenes preparations for the season of Easter

In this weeks episode Jono discusses why Holy Week is such a significant week in the lives of Christians worldwide. He suggests as an immersive experience you should check out whats happening in your local area and check it out for yourself.

In this weeks episode Jono Thinks about an initiative to light beacons in every church in the diocese and to think about the significance of St.Patrick's life and legacy

In this weeks episode Jono looks at the subject of meetings and trying to get the best out of them.

In this weeks episode Jono looks at the important topic of accessibility. He invited a special guest Beverley McGeown to speak at a service of thanksgiving to God for an accessibility project in the church and Beverley speaks so powerfully about this subject sharing thoughts from The Bible particularly 1 Corinthians 12 verses 12-26.

In this weeks episode Jono thinks abut the power of ordinary people doing ordinary things well and how that can be a very effective way to witness to our faith in Christ.

In this weeks episode Jono looks at the importance of finding a quiet space in our homes or outdoors or in our lives to hear from and engage with God.

In this weeks episode Jono share a conversation with Andrew and Joanne Quill who are soon to leave Nothern Ireland to work as mission partners with an agency Called CMS Ireland. They share of how God has placed this call on their lives to serve in a very different culture and context and share also something of their faith story in an inspiring conversation.

In this weeks episode Jono shares some thoughts on baptism, what it is and why it is significant for believers in Jesus

In this weeks episode Jono shares a little of how he began reading the Bible for himself and speaks of a new app he has been using for about 10 days or so. Its called the Every Day with Jesus (EDWJ) app.

Jono shares a little of the history of this devotional and why it has been so significant for him.

In this weeks episode Jono thinks about a forthcoming strike action in northern Ireland and how so many feel overwhelmed by the challenges of life at the present time. He suggests one or two techniques that have helped him and shares a prayer for all who currently feel overwhelmed.

In this weeks episode Jono speaks to Fiona Spargo Mabbs about her faith and the work of the Daniel Spargo Mabbs foundation which raises drug awareness among young people. Its a foundation set up in memory of Fiona's son Daniel, who died tragically in 2014 after taking MDMA (ecstasy) at an illegal rave. Fiona shares Dan's story in this very powerful conversation.

In this short episode to start 2024 Jono thinks about the challenge of living in the present moment and our inclination to always jump ahead to the next thing which heightens our anxiety. He shares a Bible verse which can help with this.

In this weeks episode Jono makes a few recommendations in terms of books both fiction and non fiction, blogs, and podcasts that he has enjoyed during the past year. Might be worth checking some of them out in those relaxing days around Christmas when walking off the dinner!

In this weeks episode Jono speaks about keeping things in their proper perspective as Christmas approaches. Sometimes things dont go as smoothly as we hope and its important to focus on whats truly important.

In this weeks episode Jono takes a look at what life is like for church leaders in the season of Advent and Christmas. He shares a tongue in cheek description of Christmas day for the Dean of Ossory (Kilkenny) and a prayer for this time of year

In this weeks episode Jono looks at the painful topic of unanswered prayer and how it can undermine our faith. He shares some insights from an American writer called Tyler Staton which have helped him in his own struggles with this painful challenge to faith.

In this weeks episode Jono reflects on a season spent worshipping in the church hall and looks forward to returning to the church building after an accessibility project is completed.

In this weeks episode Jono Speaks to a young woman called Erin Weir who has just left school and who works as a part time climbing instructor about how faith became important to her. She has some powerful things to share about authenticity.

In this weeks episode Jono shares a fascinating conversation with a writer called Deborah Sloan. Deborah reflects on her faith journey and her transition from a career in academia to becoming a writer. She's funny and thoughtful and we hope you enjoy this conversation. Dont forget to share it and help it go further if you have found it helpful.

In this weeks episode Jono asks the question how do we let others know we appreciate them? They might be volunteers in church, they might be people who play a significant role in our lives or our family's wellbeing but how can we let them know what they mean to us? He suggests a few ideas.

In this weeks episode Jono thinks about the challenges of deadlines and how the Church's year acts as a roadmap for Christians as key events in the life of Jesus are observed and celebrated and their significance acts as a signpost for our priorities.

In this weeks episode Jono reflects on a phrase he heard in a devotional app called Lectio 365 about being people whose words build bridges as he prays for the situation in Israel and Palestine at the present time.

In this weeks episode Jono reflects on a phonecall in which someone shared a prophetic word with him. What are prophetic words? Jono tries to explain his understanding.

In this weeks episode Jono speaks about being challenged to revere the scriptures by observing another religion do so and by hearing the story of a new believer from a country where Christianity is outlawed and punishable by death.

In this weeks episode Jono speaks to Sarah Yardley, a contributor to a Bible reading App called Lectio 365 about her varied life and ministry and her journey of Faith. Sarah also is the Mission lead for a Christian festival called CreationFest. Hope you enjoy what was a very inspiring conversation.

In this weeks episode Jono thinks a little about the difference it might make to speak kindly of others. He recognises the struggle we have with that when feelings run high. Can people of faith create a different culture in a toxic world?

In this weeks episode Jono thinks about those who devote their lives to passing the gift of faith onto others. He reflects on spending some time in the company of evangelist Rev Greg Downes and the cost involved in this ministry.

In this weeks episode Jono thinks about the forthcoming Rugby world cup and a brilliant book he read about legacy, some lesson we can take from the New Zealand Rugby team about life. He reflects on what sort of legacy we might want to leave behind and how this question, rather than being morbid gives us purpose and hope especially when faith drives our approach to life.

In this weeks episode Jono reflects on going back to school, transitioning to new schools, starting schools and 3rd level education. He thinks about it from the perspective of pupils, teachers, and parents and prays for all in that situation.

In this weeks episode Jono explains a little about home groups or life groups which are small groups that meet in people's homes. they are part of many churches life. He looks at what they do, how they work and what they look like in his church context,

In this weeks episode Jono welcomes Reverend Greg Downes who will be the guest speaker at the Bishops Bible week in Willowfield parish church in East belfast from 29 August- 1st September at 7.45pm each evening. Greg is a theologian and evangelist and it was a powerful conversation!

In this weeks episode Jono chats to Bishop David McClay, Bishop of Down and Dromore about his life and ministry and in anticipation of Bishops bible week coming up in the last week of August.

In this weeks episode Jono thinks about building projects in church reflecting on a significant one in the Bible as a backdrop to a project his church is involved in to make the building and the grounds more accessible for those with mobility issues.

In this weeks episode Jono reflects on the death of 3 well known people who were part of the backdrop of his life to reflect on our mortality.

In this weeks episode Jono encourages us to think about what its like to be a visitor in church, some of the things visitors might find strange or challenging and encourages us to think of how we might make that visit easier.

In this weeks episode Jono shares some experiences of visiting different churches on holiday including a visit to his own church before he went to work there!

This week Jono reflects on attending a school prizegiving with some takeaways for a person of faith.

In this weeks episode Jono looks at our tendency to live life at a very fast pace and how unsustainable that can be for our health and for the wellbeing of those closest to us. He shares some insights from Pete Greig and John Mark Comer, 2 wise and respected Christian leaders.

In this weeks episode Jono looks at the way different churches have different structures of doing business and governance. He reflects on some of the business of the Diocesan Synod which took place earlier this week.

In this weeks episode Jono looks at the way society perceives the church and how often it is seemed as irrelevant or as having no value. He tells a couple of stories which challenge that view and show how vital a role church plays as a volunteer body within our society making a real difference to people's lives.

In this weeks episode Jono looks at a story that has dominated the headlines in the media about TV personality Philip Schofield and tries to respond to the story from a perspective of faith.

In this weeks episode Jono invites a friend of his, Gillian Stevenson to speak on the subject Is God calling you as she uses the biblical figure of Moses to help us think about this vitally important question and shares some prayers with us.

In this weeks episode Jono reflects on a week of outreach and mission and all the various ways we might weave faith and spiritual conversations into our everyday lives in a non threatening way.

In this weeks episode Jono thinks about leaving school or university as people make that transition at this time of year.