This four-week course by Ruth Valerio suitable for Lent, although not written specifically for it. This Bible study is written for small group study or personal use. Each of the four sessions is a combination of the biblical and the practical and finishes with a practical response. In each session I take one of the four main issues our world faces (climate change, deforestation, species loss and water) and four main areas in which we can make a difference: food, travel, energy and waste. Ruth Valerio was the author of the Archbishop of Canterbury’s 2020 Lent Book on similar themes. Dust and Glory: A Lent Journey of faith, failure and forgivenessoffers a daily Bible reading, a short reflection and a practical challenge, as well as a prayer linked to the week’s theme. Co-written by Bishop Emma Ineson and Abbie Martin, the booklet is designed to be used either in parallel with the Lent Book or independently. As well as providing notes for leading groups, the course signposts relevant chapters in the Living in Love and Faith book, films, podcasts, and other digital resources available via www.churchofengland.org/LLFwhere you can also find avideo version of the course. This Lent calls us to contemplate the fundamental human need for connection. As our common humanity is degraded by powerful interests working to subordinate human beings into atomised consumers and identity groups, we, like the disciples in ancient Galilee resisting the imperialist Roman occupation, are called to offer resistance today, by rooting our identity in Christ and by coming together with others in the local. Read more… United Reformed Church As well as offering her reflections on the various film excerpts, the Bible passages and the themes they explore, Bishop Rose also draws on her own experiences from a childhood growing up in Jamaica without a mother from the age of 2, and from her years of ministry. ‘It is my hope’, writes Bishop Rose, ‘that we will find ourselves at the end of the course more literate and fluent when it comes to expressing our faith, and comfortable and willing, not only to recognise, but to speak about the difference faith is making in our daily living.’

Previous CCTBI courses are also available: https://ctbi.org.uk/category/spirituality-and-reflection/lent-courses/ Book Group looking at Archbishop of Canterbury’s Lent book ‘Failure: What Jesus said about sin, mistakes and messing stuff up’ by Emma InesonDust and Glory encourages us to take a fresh look at the frustrations and failings that every day brings and, rather than pretending we can always avoid them, seek to learn from them and grow closer to God through them."

Growing Good is a free course for churches, offering six sessions to help your congregation grow in faith and make a difference in your community. Dust and Glory encourages us to take a fresh look at the frustrations and failings that every day brings and, rather than pretending we can always avoid them, seek to learn from them and grow closer to God through them. Sign up today to access all the resources including session guides, case study films, tips for group leaders and more. We will send you regular updates about Growing Good and the Church Urban Fund, including how you can get involved and the difference your support is making. https://growing-good.org.uk/lent-2023 Who is our neighbour?’ This is a key question that is at the heart of the Parables in Saint Luke’s Gospel. The parable of the Good Samaritan challenges us not to ask but to answer the question, ‘Who is our neighbour?’ My neighbour is not just the focus of my compassion and concern; my neighbour also teaches me what it means to serve. To be a good neighbour, I need to both give and receive, as Christ both gives and receives. The weekly themes of the Archbishop’s Lent Book are also explored in daily reflections from the Church of England.

An accompanying children’s version is also available to help children and their families explore how we can live well together, offering a simple daily activity designed to explore the weekly themes. The Archbishops say "This Lent we are all invited to explore how we can live well with the mess of everyday life. Dust and Glory: A Lent journey of faith, failure and forgivenessis the Church of England’s Lent theme for 2023. This year’s resources are informed and inspired by the Archbishop of Canterbury’s 2023 Lent Book, Failure: What Jesus said about sin, mistakes and messing stuff upby Bishop Emma Ineson, who has also co-written the daily reflections booklet for adults There will be free online support for groups studying the book – including in-depth video interviews with the Archbishop of Canterbury and others exploring the themes of each of the chapters. The Room Where It Happens

Designed as a ‘prequel’ to the LICC Fruitfulness on the Frontline course, Loved and Liked aims to enable people to explore who they are as diverse individuals inhabiting different stories and carrying different joys and hurts. It invites participants todareto discover yet more of the God who knows us by name, loves us and calls us to go on becoming who we have been created to be.Each session starts with a shortvideo to stimulate discussion, followed by a short reflection time on the video. Some scripture passages lead into a guided reflection, followed by a wider discussion. The final section prompts thoughts on practical actions before turning to prayer to end each session. Written by bestselling author and respected spiritual guide David Runcorn, the book's approach is exploratory rather than prescriptive, provoking questions rather than offering answers. It does not assume too much Bible knowledge, so that the style feels welcoming to those on the edge of committed faith or church, as well as BRF's to established Lent book audience. As well as being offered as a Lent Course, the book could also be used as study material in any context, as a group or alone.