Bitesize chunks of faith

In this weeks episode Jono reflects on the life and ministry of St. Patrick and reflects on a special encounter a friend of his had at the site of Patrick's first church in Ireland.

In this weeks episode Jono Talks about the impact and power of personal invitation to all sorts of events but particularly to church events and how these personal invitations can be an amazing opportunity for people to experience Faith in a meaningful way perhaps for the first time.

In this weeks episode Jono looks at the subject of reading the Bible using a technique called Lectio Divina. 

In this weeks episode Jono reflects on a terrible attack on a senior police officer in Omagh and reflects on the impact of the terrible bomb which happened in Omagh in august 1998. He takes some time to pray for the town and its people and the seriously ill police officer and his family.

In this episode Jono considers an exciting new venture launched recently to reconnect or introduce the Christian Faith for the first time to those who have never encountered it in a meaningful way before. Its a complement to our existing structures not something set up in opposition to them. How can you share your faith with your friends, family and neighbours and colleagues?

In this weeks episode Jono shares a fascinating conversation with Mrs. Hilary McClay. Hilary is the wife of David McClay, the Bishop of Down and Dromore. She shares about how and when faith became important in her life and the changes that have come about she became a Bishops wife. Hilary shares  her desire to be a blessing and to pray for peace in the lives of all she encounters.

In this weeks episode Jono shares a conversation with Rev Raj Sithyaraj, minister in charge of the parishes of Kilwarlin upper and lower near Hillsborough Co. Down, Northern Ireland. Raj was born in India and has worked in India,Egypt and Northern ireland as well as spending time in Singapore. He shares his experiences in this fascinating conversation.

In this weeks episode Jono reflects on a couple of encounters and a phrase that has come up repeatedly in his devotions - What it means or looks like to live a God honouring life.

In this weeks episode Jono reflects on the challenge of burnout in Christian leadership and ministry following the announcement this weeks from New Zealand's prime minister Jacinda Ardern that she will step back from her role next month.

In this weeks episode Jono Speaks to Norman Sleator about his faith journey and about a course beginning soon about Mental health called the Sanctuary course. 

In this week's episode Jono thinks a little bit about discovering what our sweet spot is, the place we operate out of greatest strength using the gifts we have been given. As the church is a volunteer based organisation there is huge potential when we discover our places of gifting and strength and use those gifts in God's service and in serving others in the life of our local church.

In this weeks episode Jono reflects on some of the events of 2022 and how the local church tried to respond to these in his local context. 

In this weeks episode we recognise that Christmas and New year can be stressful times of the year. Jono invites a friend of his Dr. Stephen Rodgers to share some thoughts on coping with stress.

In this weeks episode Jono chats to Lydia Monds who has been Education advisor to the bishops Appeal for many years and educates parishes about aid and development and provides information about projects in the developing world supported by the church of Ireland. She has also worked in Children's ministry and is about to take on a new role within the Church's ministry of healing. She speaks about...

In this weeks episode Jono reflects on some responses the parish has been trying to make to provide opportunities to discuss safely the topic of mental health. He also updates everyone on the daily realities and challenges of life in ukraine at the present time following the visit of a friend of his there recently and prays for those affected by the war.

In this weeks episode Jono thinks of 2 words the Bible uses for time and in particular he reflects on how the season of Advent can be a significant or important time for reawakening our spiritual lives as we prepare for the birth of Jesus at Christmas.

In this weeks episode Jono shared a powerful conversation about living with mental health challenges and what recovery looks like with Sharon Hastings the author of wrestling with my thoughts

In this weeks episode Jono thinks about how sometimes when days dont go the way you plan there can be unexpected opportunities and blessing in that.

In this weeks episode Jono shares some stories of veterans from World war 2 from the BBC website and shares some reflections and challenges of this season and God's call on us all to be peacemakers.

In this weeks episode Jono is delighted to welcome the Archbishop of Armagh to share some reflections on the mission and work of the church as he comes to share with us on the occasion of his visit during our 90th anniversary celebrations.

In this weeks episode Jono looks at the topic of prayer gatherings. Why do We find it hard to make these gatherings a priority? Why do we feel nervous or awkward about being part of them? He shares some positive experinces of such gatherings in his own life in different contexts and the difference they have made on his own Spiritual journey.

In this weeks episode Jono looks at the tradition of Harvest Thanksgiving, its origins, what its about and how it might prompt us as followers of Jesus to make a response of generosity and action to God's goodness and faithfulness. He also explores some of the challenges of this season as we ponder the inequality of the world.

In this weeks episode Jono thinks about the ministry of hospitality and shares some experiences he has been blessed to enjoy over the years and the difference they have made to him. He reflects on the powerful phrase coined by inspirational journalist Charlie Bird about extending the hand of friendship. 

In this weeks episode Jono pauses to reflect on 2 terrible tragedies that visited the world this week, one in a nursery school in the north of Thailand, the second in a petrol station in Creeslough in Co. Donegal in the Republic of Ireland. sometimes all we can do is pause and pray and there are no words. Jono uses a reflection about suffering written by Henri Nouwen to think about these things. &...

In this weeks episode Jono shares some recommendations of podcasts to take a listen to. Some of them are faith based podcasts, others are more general but give them a go and let us know how you find then in the comments on the facebook page or on the st finnians website where the blog is published!