Seen and Not Heard?

This week we come to a short but important passage in which Jesus welcomes little children. In the old translations it says "suffer the litle children". "Suffer" seems to mean "allow" but it suggests that the disciples didn't like children crowding round. Why?

And - usual question - what does it mean for us today?

PS: This blog now has "share" buttons below so you can tell your Facebook friends about it!

Divorce: Does God Really Hate It?

Heavy stuff this week.
At the end of the Old Testament, Malachi says that God hates divorce. In our passage from Mark's gospel for this week, Jesus is asked what he thinks.

Is it ever right for Christians to divorce? If so, what are the valid reasons?

Contribute your thoughts below or come and discuss on Friday.

Evil Spirits?

It's time to think about evil spirits on Friday this week. Ironic that in a world where we have tried to rationally explain away anything supernatural with a scientific analysis, the most popular movies are films like Avatar and Twilight.

Why is this? Do people still secretly believe in the supernatural while at the same time debunking traditional religions?

Discuss.

Transfiguration!

On Friday we will explore what the Transfiguration is all about.



We'll also meet two people who have had a big transformation in the last week. The new St Mark's curates will be with us for the first time.



In some theological viewpoints, there has been a material change in the nature of someone who becomes a priest (John and Debbi become priests next year). Probably no-one at St Mark's would agree, but what is the significance of being ordained? Discuss...



Pictures here...



www.bradford.anglican.org/documents/100704ordination/index.php