Acts of Random Kindness?

A new film opens in UK cinemas on 3rd August. The follow-up to Bruce Almighty, Evan Almighty is reported to be one of the most expensive comedies ever made (~$175 million).
Reviews have generally been good and there are certainly themes that could serve to provoke interesting discussions, in and outside of the churches, such as stewardship of the earth, acts of random kindness (ARK!), the power of prayer and God’s overarching, loving, creational intent.

I saw a sneak preview of the film last night and one of the most profound moments is when God explains to Evan's bewildered wife what He thinks the story of the flood is really all about. I'll leave it to you to decide whether "God" is right or not. Go and see the film. On balance it is worth it.

There is a strong anti-corruption pro-nature/environment message in the film, which I can only applaud. I have to say though that if I was going to spend 175 million dollars on getting moral or Christian messages out there I think I would want more bang for my bucks! But then that is not ultimately why Evan Almighty was made of course...

That said, look out for new Evan Almighty content at http://www.rejesus.co.uk/ in the next few days. This is too good an opportunity to miss in terms of reflection and discussion and Christian engagement with our neighbours.

Broadcast Yoursalve

YouTube provides a great opportunity for Christians to talk about their faith. There is some excellent material out there and some really awful stuff too, as a YouTube search for Jesus will reveal. THIS example (video below) shows poet Jude Simpson talking about how, in her view, Jesus feels about us:

Happiness apparently NOT a cigar called Hamlet

Happiness For Life is a course by embody that follows a natural line of enquiry about happiness, from 'me and my subjective happiness', to the limitations of that, and the further answers found in meaning, purpose and self-transcendence.

The course provides an experiential but non-directive framework for people to come to the conclusion that happiness is related ultimately to meaning found partly through spiritual practices uniquely found in social/communal groups.

Of those participating in the first course, some 50% asked for details of local groups they could join that offered a safe place to explore community and spirituality.

Happiness For Life has been written with this hope in mind and it seems to be delivering. The next course starts in Bristol on 4th July and can also be facilitated anywhere in a reasonable radius of Bristol. Contact: Bruce Stanley via www.happinessforlife.co.uk

ALWAYS BE READY to make your defence to anyone who demands from you an account of the hope that is in you

'HOPE' looks set to be the biggest initiative of the churches for 2008. Are you on board? If not, now is the time. For more information visit the HOPE website, or read about how the Christian Enquiry Agency and rejesus.co.uk can help you at www.christianity.org.uk/hope. Below the latest news from the HOPE office:

"Over the last month, we've been hearing really encouraging news of people planning to bless their communities in creative and innovative ways. So much so, that we're having a hard time selecting items to put in this e:news. Click on the links below to find out what we've managed to include... Our resource book 'HOPE - Great Ideas' is going to be out in a month. It's 160 pages of exclusive copy from people who are passionate about word and action mission. Check out the website throughout June for a sneak preview, and to get hold of a copy. Our new editions of DVDs have come through. They now come with subtitles, and we have a Welsh language version which you can order from the office. We've been meeting with regional advocates, the people who are pushing Hope08 into being in an area near you. We discussed plans, swapped ideas and are learning how we can be more effective in resourcing this grassroots initiative. One of these ways is through making sure our website is flexible, and shaped around plans as they develop. With this in mind we'd love for you to start sending us your ideas. We want the website to serve you and your community, so let us know what you're planning for 2008! You can email us at info@hope08.com, and keep an eye on the '2007, a Year of Preparation' section of the website. Yours, Fritha - on behalf of the Hope08 Team."