A new interactive online learning resource, launched by Church of England Birmingham this month, is designed to help individuals and churches notice stories of where God is at work through a time of reflection.
Celebrating Disciples is an immersive experience rooted in Scripture and prayer.
Accessed via the Pathways Learning Platform, the immersive space holds 11 artworks by artist Chris Duffett, each with a verse from Scripture and a question to prompt reflection.
Participants reflect on stories of people meeting Jesus in Scripture, and on their faith journey as a result of those encounters.
The resource encourages people to let God bring to mind their own encounters over the last year, and celebrate the treasure in those moments to inform prayers, hopes and action. Participants can add their own anonymised stories to a story wall, providing encouragement and inspiration for others.
Bishop of Birmingham Michael Volland said: “As we continue our journey together growing churches at the heart of each community, there is much to celebrate. This Lent, I encourage you to notice and give thanks for God's faithfulness.
“Celebrating Disciples is an innovative new resource that can help us all to reflect on scripture and to notice, hear and tell stories of God at work throughout Birmingham and the region.
“I warmly encourage you to consider how you might use this resource to stimulate reflection and to share local stories, either in your parish or Oversight Area, or with other leaders across your Deanery.”
Celebrating Disciples can be experienced by individuals as part of a personal time of reflection or in conversation as part of a small group gathering. A facilitator’s guide is available for those using the resource as a group.
One individual who has taken part in Celebrating Disciples commented on their experience of the resource:
“It worked because you named the challenges, and then gave us time to sit with God and find the stories for ourselves.”
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Access Celebrating Disciples through the Pathways Learning Platform.
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Contact the Mission Support team for support and advice on using Celebrating Disciples and request a facilitator’s guide or copies of the artwork to use in your church.