By: Amy Cheng
The path to finding freedom can be a difficult one for refugees, but the Refugee Council of Australia (RCOA) would like that to change. Continue reading “Take Time to Pause and Learn about Refugees this Refugee Week”
Content Provision for Member Stations
By: Amy Cheng
The path to finding freedom can be a difficult one for refugees, but the Refugee Council of Australia (RCOA) would like that to change. Continue reading “Take Time to Pause and Learn about Refugees this Refugee Week”
By: Amy Cheng
As many celebrate Mother’s Day this Sunday, the day will be particularly difficult for those who don’t have mothers. Continue reading “Mother’s Day can be “Heartbreaking” for Many”
This Valentine’s Day give a personal gesture of a romantic night in with candles, and a home cooked meal. Continue reading “Make Them a Romantic Meal this Valentine’s Day”
By: Justin Rouillon
It’s that time of year when the shops have been decorated with skulls, gravestones and all things spooky, but what should a Christian response to Halloween be?
The secular version of Halloween as we know it was heavily commercialised in the early and mid 20th century, with much of the celebration having its roots in the Celtic festival of Samhain (pronounced Soh-nn).
Samhain celebrated the end of the harvest and the beginning of winter, the dark time of the year that was often associated with death. The Celts believed that at this time of year the gap between the spiritual world and the physical world would draw closer – a thin place where humans walked in two worlds, and where the ghosts of those departed would be more likely to return to.
This is where much of the modern, secular versions of Halloween come from. But for centuries before its commercialisation, Christians observed the holy days of All Hallows (Saints) and All Souls Day on November 1 and 2. All Hallows Eve (October 31) was reserved for the remembrance of family members who had passed away, along with prayers and fasting ahead of the feast days.
Paul Blom is a Catholic educator and says that for his family, it’s a time of year for remembering the traditional Christian observances.
“November is the month set aside to remember the dead, and in a special way we are invited to remember our family and friends who have died, especially those who have passed away in the previous year. We can also extend those thoughts in a wider sense, by remembering and thanking those that have positively influenced us in our lives.”
Paul also said that there are a number of ways that Christians can use the secular version of Halloween to remind them of the religious and spiritual meaning of the original celebrations.
“Perhaps you can remember the sacrifice of Jesus, and more importantly, his resurrection that brings heaven closer to our reality.
“Take time to pray and remember those who have played an important part in your life’s journey, and who have formed you into the person you are today.
“Find a quiet place of solitude, where you can gather treasured memories and remember those who have shown us wisdom, those who stood by us, believed in you or encouraged your faith.”
Article supplied with thanks to 96five.
Photo by: Haley Phelps on Unsplash
By: Michael Crooks
After a 70-year reign, the Queen has died. When is her funeral? How is Australia paying its respect? And what happens to our coins?
By: Steff Willis
An independent evaluation will assess the effectiveness of chaplaincy in supporting the wellbeing of school students and the broader school community. Continue reading “Review of Funding for School Chaplaincy Underway”
By: Steff Willis
Fathers play a pivotal role in families and yet sometimes, their value can be underplayed.
Continue reading “How to be a Great Dad: Tips for Fathers, Download Free Toolkit”
By: Celeste Stevens
Pastor Willie Dumas says NAIDOC week is important as it unites us together to create change, and teaches us more about how we can learn from one another.
Continue reading “NAIDOC Week Encourages an All-In Community Celebration”
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This one day summit will be held in the following cities:
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Find out more and register online now – Imminent Leadership Summit
Guest speakers and conversation hosts include:
Nils Smith
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Richenda Vermeulen
Founder and CEO, ntegrity (Panel – Melbourne only)
Dave Adamson – aka Aussie Dave
Digital Strategist, Author and Speaker
Sam Valich
Senior Director of Global Brand at Compassion
Stuart Cranney
Director of Innovation, CV Global
Joshua Crowther
Executive Director, Dunham+Company Australia
So, bring yourself and your team members as together we’ll seek to provide answers you can start using tomorrow.
Article thanks to Christian Media and Arts Australia
By: Michael Crooks
In what are increasingly troubled times, the world is about to unite to pray. Continue reading “The World Unites in Prayer – March 4”