The Roots for Churches podcast Roots for Churches

In this episode, we explore the intersection of faith and science with Sarah Moring from God and the Big Bang (GatBB). Where traditionally church hasn’t engaged much in the science curriculum, Sarah encourages us to step into the gap and create a place where children can ask their big questions, blending scientific exploration and faith formation.

The episode touches on creationism and scientific evolution, with an openness of perspective, and the discussion drives towards a more comprehensive and faith-filled understanding of our world.

Roots has partnered with GatBB to create a STEM-themed Roots Holiday Club exploring:

Can science support faith in God? 
Can science answer all our questions?   
Can faith be based on evidence? 
Does science make it hard to believe in God?   
Does science solve all our problems?   
Through fun science-based activities, children are encouraged to discover more about faith and science. As well as experiments, discussions, crafts and quizzes, each session features a Bible passage to explore together and tells the story of a significant scientist, such as Mary Anning, in a way that helps to unpack the session theme.

Visit www.gatbb.co.uk or contact Sarah at info@gatbb.co.uk to find out how you can book God and the Big Bang to come into a school near you.

Debbie Thrower, the founder of Anna Chaplaincy, is an Anglican licensed lay minister and former broadcaster.  She shares statistics on the rising rate of dementia in an aging society, highlighting the urgent need for churches to consider how we care for those with dementia.
Anna Chaplaincy, which is part of BRF Ministries, came into existence out of Debbie's personal experience dealing with her parents' complicated health issues. She now trains a team of pastoral volunteers who are based around the country to help with the emotional and spiritual care of the elderly.
Debbie shares how dementia can be prevented, particularly through regular social interaction and social engagement that often happens at Church. We discuss the experiences of those living with dementia (and their partners), the potential disruptions to church activities, and the necessity of maintaining social connections . Debbie emphasizes that one's value as God's child remains intact regardless of the cognitive deterioration dementia brings. 
With training, awareness and care, churches can help mitigate the challenges dementia patients and their families face. We discuss the  benefits of all-age services and the power of inclusive worship. The ultimate goal is to establish a church environment that is welcoming and inclusive to everyone, prompting us to rethink our ways of dealing with dementia.
We touch on safeguarding vulnerable adults and the vision of Anna Chaplains to become a nationally recognized symbol for spiritual care for the elderly, like McMillan nurses. Find more resources and training on their website www.annachaplaincy.org.uk.

Melanie Cave speaks with Mark Arnold, Additional Needs Ministry Director for Urban Saints. They discuss accessibility and the inclusion of Autistic people, as well as children and young people with additional needs, in ways that better foster connection and belonging. 
We also preview the new Roots' Visual Timetable for churches launching in 2024. Visit www.rootsforchurches.com/vt to order one for your ministry.

Melanie Cave speaks with Chris Curtis, CEO of YouthScape, about how to start youth ministry when you have very few or no young people. Starting from scratch is possible!

This episode seeks to dismantle some popular misconceptions about AI and demystify its implications for churches.
James Poulter shares his insights on the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and its potential benefits for churches. AI can provoke curiosity or fear, so he explains in simple terms how large language models like ChatGPT work and how the technology is gradually shaping our lives and the operation of organizations, including churches.
We discuss the opportunities, ethical and creative challenges around AI and whether you should use AI to write your sermons!
James explores the intriguing possibilities that AI presents in simplifying administrative tasks in churches. From transcribing sermons to automating administrative tasks, AI could potentially revolutionize church workflows. He elaborates on how AI can improve accessibility across languages while emphasizing the need for ethical and responsible use of the technology.
And we come back to the importance of understanding the value of the image of God in humanity, when a human can never be replaced.
Find more from James here:
https://www.ecclesiai.org/
https://vixenlabs.co/
www.rootsforchurches.com/worship-and-learning-support/articles/ai-invasion
 
 

Join us in our latest episode of the Roots Podcast where we sit down with Gillian Warson, a professional musician and part of the team of contributors who offer song suggestions for Roots’ subscribers each week. We delve into the enduring relevance of hymns in worship, their historical and contemporary contexts. We discuss the thought process behind hymn selection, highlighting the relevance and power these age-old tunes continue to possess in a changing musical landscape.

Gillian champions the hymn’s ability to embody and reflect societal changes, maintaining their adaptability and resilience over centuries. She also highlights the crucial role they play in making worship inclusive for children. Hear her address the misconception that children are more drawn to ’fast’ or ’loud’ songs and how incorporating hymns adds richness to their musical diet.

As Gillian shares her journey from a childhood interest in hymns to her current role promoting hymn-writing, we get an insight into the balance between honouring tradition, fostering inclusivity, and embracing change. We discuss the challenges of introducing new hymns into a church’s musical repertoire and conclude on the note of unity in worship, as we strive to worship God through music.

Show notes:

Read Gillian’s blog on the Roots website about how she chooses songs for Roots. 

Dr Gillian Warson is the author of Using Vintage Hymns in Worship: Hidden Treasures Rediscovered and one of the editors of First Flight Feathers: The Best of Worship Live. She is also the administrator for the Pratt Green Trust whose aim is to further the cause of hymnody. Find out more about their current hymn competitions.