Education and nature chat with Stephen Blevins.

Stephen’s has been involved in the education world for many years, having been a teacher, principal and now a school inspector.

Recorded on the day when lockdown was extended, including a bit more uncertainty around the schools, he reflects on the impact of COVID on kids and parents and offers a few thoughts of encouragement to use this time wisely.

In recent times, Stephen has become a bit of an amateur nature photographer.

https://grace-community.church/programme/life-is-for-learning

Village stories with Dr Alan Turtle.

A stalwart of the village, and doctor in the Richhill Health Centre for 30 years, he hadn’t always lived there. Now the chairman of the Richhill Village Improvement Committee, he brings us down memory lane but lends his wisdom and experience to the where we’re at today and what his hopes are for the future.

https://grace-community.church/programme/past-memories-future-dreams

Even before St Patrick, Christianity existed in Ireland in a simple, community-based form. When we talk about Celtic Christianity, we might have some preconceived ideas. Even today you see short-lived movements and fads labelled as “Celtic”. But, maybe there’s something in how our ancestors lived out their faith that can give us real grounding. Thanks to David Bell and Gareth Bell (no relation) for their passion for this subject.

Venezuela is back on the news. The former jewel in the crown of Latin America is in the midst of a political and humanitarian crisis. But for a country that is on the brink of cracking, where is the hope for ordinary people?

David Dawson heads up worship at Emmanuel Church. With the praise co-ordinator from Grace Community Church, he discusses what goes on behind the scenes of a worship team. They talk about what worship means to them, how they got into music and what goes into coordinating a team, and where creativity can make an impact.

Julie Liggett has been counselling for a few years and Lila Gribben is studying counselling. Exploring the world of mental health has opened up some interesting discoveries and sparked hot debates. Together, we look at how the church can do better and how individuals can make a positive difference for people who are suffering. For more articles and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to our Mental Health topic page.

Ronnie Dawson (Drop Inn) and Mark Knox (Aspire NI) share their stories. Mark has been focussing on a community, whilst Ronnie has had a global mindset. Are there similarities, despite the different focuses? How do you get people around you? How do you cope in times when everybody else thinks you’re crazy?