The St John's Centre for God-Talk, Spirituality and Ethics
The Centre was established in 2009 at St John's Cathedral as a place to explore contemporary issues facing Christians in the 21st Century. The Director of the Centre, the Rev'd Canon Dr Nigel Leaves, is passionate about investigating the recent changes in the spiritual search of contemporary Christians and how Church inspired God-talk is appropriated by people living in postmodernity.
Likewise, spirituality has become much more varied and fluid than previously; and the spiritual search encompasses a wide range of activities - from meditation to art and beyond!
The Centre runs a wide range of programs throughout the year that are open to Cathedral members, those of other churches and the general public. Anyone is most welcome to attend any of the sessions and to investigate what it means to believe in God and Jesus today.
The following programs are available in 2012:
Wasting Time With God: Spirituality And ...
When: 1st Wednesday of the months as listed below
Time: 9.30am - 11.30am
How often do we get time to "waste with God?" We all live busy, frenetic lives in which time with God can be sidelined, or put to one side. This series incorporates both a time of guided reflective meditation with silence, music and candles, combined with a guest speaker on a topic of spirituality and... There is also an opportunity to meet others on the spiritual quest over morning tea.
- Wednesday February 1st Spirituality and Cathedrals (Peter Catt) (download brochure)
- Wednesday March 7th Spirituality and Community (Jan Crombie) download brochure
- Wednesday April 4 Holy Week (+Jonathan) download brochure
- Wednesday May 2nd Spirituality and Australians (Clarry White) download brochure
- Wednesday June 6th Spirituality and Music Therapy (Christobel Clark) download brochure
NO MEETING IN JULY
- Wednesday August 1st Spirituality and Franciscans (Nathan James)
- Wednesday September 5th 'Letting Go and Letting God' (Cecilie and Mervyn Lander)
- Wednesday October 3rd Spirituality and Spiritual Direction (Kate Luxford-Morgan)
- Wednesday November 7th Spirituality and the Psalms (Gillian Moses)
- Wednesday December 6th Spirituality and the Parish Priest (Marian Free)
Debate the Preacher
When: At various times throughout the year
Time: Evensong - 6pm followed by discussion over drinks and nibbles
The Debate the Preacher series is designed for those who wish to explore God-talk in a reasoned and reasonable way. Have you ever wished that you could engage the preacher is a conversation about what they have expounded from the pulpit? Here is your opportunity!
SERIES 2 - 2012 JUNE 3, 10, 17
'AN ALTAR OF THEIR OWN' - In celebration of 20 years of Women's Ordination to the Anglican Priesthood (Evensong Followed by Conversation over nibbles and drinks)
- 3rd June - Dr Barbara Field
- 10th June The Reverend Julie Woolner
- 17th June The Reverend Valerie Hoare
Series 1 - Peace in our Time?
- March 4th - The Revd Denis Gallaway
- March11th - Imam Ahamad Ghalazeh (in the Darnell Room)
- March 18th - The Reverend Michael Hardin
- March 25th - Tony Arden - (in the Darnell Room)
Quiet Morning
There are 'quiet days' (or mornings) organised throughout the year when people can come and reflect upon their lives and what God is doing through them. The beauty and majesty of the Cathedral inspires awe and transcendence as we encounter the holy in our midst.
- Lenten Quiet Morning: Saturday March 10th (Canon Dr Nigel Leaves): 9.30am-12noon
Come and find God in the quiet and splendour of the Cathedral.
Lenten Reading Material
Wondering what to read for Lent 2012? Follow the link to find some recommendations from St John's Cathedral. All these books are available for purchase at the Cathedral shop.
Living the Questions
Living the Questions is an open-minded study group that uses the DVDS and resource materials that encourage actively exploring the faith. This will be used first with those wishing to be baptised and confirmed. Please contact the Revd Dr Ann Solari for more details.
ph 0424 423 972 or annsolari@westnet.com.au
Salon - Study Group
It is hoped to form a salon/study group that meets on a monthly basis on a Sunday morning after the 9.30am service. WATCH THIS SPACE FOR MORE DETAILS.
For further information on any of these activities contact:
The Revd Canon Dr Nigel Leaves
em:
tel: 3835 2219
Other activities associated with the Centre
The Book Centre
The Cathedral Book Centre opened in 2010. The library is open after the 7.30 am, 9.30 am, and 5 pm services, allowing books and DVDs to be borrowed and returned and requests for additional books to be made. A weekly hire fee of $1 is asked for DVDs. Income from this, together with voluntary donations, goes towards purchasing books and DVDs from the request list. For more information contact Coralie Ketels: or Ph: (07) 3300 1575. A continually-updated catalogue is available via email.
St Francis Theological College
The Cathedral has established a firm link with the Diocese of Brisbane's Theological College – St Francis. The College runs a variety of educational programs at both undergraduate and postgraduate level through Charles Sturt University. These are also available by distance education. For more information click on the following link www.stfran.qld.edu.au
