In this issue we explore expressions of church in today’s world. We look at ways to connect with our communities and how we can gather effectively as God’s people in the world today. We see the presence of hope in the darkest times and places, even in the persecution of religious minorities in the Middle East. Co-operative projects bring light to communities, old buildings find renewed purpose and graveyards become places for biodiversity and life. Our contributors offer a range of perspectives, coming from different traditions and viewpoints, all presenting something we can garner and draw on in our own discipleship.
Timothy Ashworth reflects on Paul's first letter to the Corinthians as a guide to becoming a mature church
Andrew Kleissner examines church government from a Baptist perspective
Bishop Angaelos responds to the atrocities faced by the persecuted church in the Middle East
Tom Michell
As a young Englishman teaching in Argentina, Tom Michell finds himself in the extraordinary position of being 'best friend' to a penguin!
Reclaiming a prayerful life
Magdalen Smith
In her introduction, Magdalen Smith likens the space within our being to the box room in our house.
Hazel Parsons and Iain Grant
A Sense of Scilly has been written and photographed by magnet reader Hazel Parsons and her nephew Iain Grant, so it is a great pleasure to review this in the pages of magnet.
50 Interactive Bible Stories for Children's Groups
Gill Robins
Another brilliant resource book from Barnabas. 'Whooshing' is a drama technique devised by the Royal Shakespeare Company, which enables children to become engaged with a story.