Every blog has its day

Here at the CL blog we're excited about positive exposure thanks to Dave Walker, editor of the Church Times blog.

Today's post focuses on the work of Si Smith, celebrated here recently.

Check out Dave Walker's work here!

Want to learn more about CPAS Church Leadership - click here, please!

Today's Church Times links directly with Church Leadership 69, focusing on the developing story of the pioneering church of St James in the City, Liverpool.

Led by the Rev Neil Short (blue shirt), the fledgling congregation has recently moved into a formerly redundant listed church building, built at the height of the city's mercantile prosperity.

Bishop James Jones (purple uniform, no helmet) was on hand to join in the celebration of the congregation's first adult baptism - of Jessica Main (no uniform).

The church still lacks a water supply, so a friendly firefighter (uniform and helmet) was on hand with a plentiful supply of H2O.

Read the full story of the 'vision journey' of this new congregation on pages 8,9 of CL69.

Jesus Leeds

CL subscribers are familar with the work of artist Simon Smith creator of our popular Stations of the Cross images.

Si is currently at work on a new series of images that will be launched in CL71 (February 2010), this time depicting the 19 'Stations of the Resurrection'.

In common with many other artists of religious themes, Si has chosen to depict the New Testament events as if they are happening here and now.

And in Simon's case, 'here' equals Leeds. So above we can see his depiction of John 21:9-13 with the Sea of Galilee appearing in the guise of Roundhay Park's boating lake.

The images will be accompanied by a series of texts for meditations, created by the Rev Ian Adams of the Maybe community.

Click here for more information about Si, and to download samples of his work.

And click here for the CPAS website.

Vision on!

Here comes CL69 - plunking onto subscribers' doormats towards the end of May.

This issue has a special focus on the key leadership topic of vision and direction-setting.

Check here for a preview of James Lawrence's article In the right direction.

Of course, being CL, we offer brand new resources for seasonal events - and this issue carries a challenging all-age service for harvest from Kelly Betteridge.

Based around the narrative of Exodus 16, the materials include tip-top illustrations from the inimitable Brent Clark.

On a more reflective note we have included useful materials for services of  'commemoration of the departed' - in recent years these have become a greatly appreciated aspect of the local church's link with the surrounding community.

Mothering Sunday

Here comes the fourth Sunday of Lent, when the mood lightens and we celebrate Mothering Sunday. Hurrah!

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No surprise that the CL website is busily downloading multiple copies of Francesca Proud's new service outline and resources, including a series of images by the brilliant Brent Clark.

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The text refers to a video clip. Apologies that some subscribers have had difficulty locating it. Check this link!

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And while I'm here .....

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You can also find tip-top Mothering Sunday resources via the splendid website of (who else?) Mothers' Union. Check here for this year's service.

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And - if you're stuck for a gift for your Mum. Check MU's Make a Mother's Day scheme.

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I was particularly touched that this brilliant idea is open to people (like me) whose mother is in heaven, a location unreachable via Interflora. MU allows you to make a gift 'in memory'.

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Inclusive, or what?

Ready to Lead

Published in January, this new book from CPAS Leadership Development Adviser Ruth Hassall is already making an impact.

Here's a link to a very enthusiastic review from the Sophia Network.

More information from the CPAS online shop. And click here for info regarding the new course Growing Leaders - Youth Edition.

The Things He Carried

Not too late to decide on a Lent book, if you haven't already done so.
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These meditations for Lent and Holy Week come from Bishop Stephen Cottrell, who focuses on the ancient Christian tradition of pondering the 'instruments of the Passion'.

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You can check an extract here.