Most of us have found this past year one of the most challenging of our lives. Ever wondered how having a Christian Faith might impact your everyday life? Can it bring hope and meaning and purpose? Join Church leader Jono Pierce as each week he takes a personal look at how faith has impacted his daily life in small bite sized chunks. hit the subscribe button as he tries to share the riches he has discovered to bring hope and encouragement and inspiration to you week by week and may it bring blessing to your life.
In this weeks episode Jono reflects on the drama of the election of the new Pope, a new leader for the global Roman Catholic Church and thinks about some qualities needed for this task and shares some prayers for Pope Leo Xiv and all in Christian leadership around the world.
In this weeks episode Jono discusses a programme the church has run over the past year using a grant from the central church about mental health called mind matters.
In this weeks episode Jono reflects on the life and ministry of Pope francis and uses a powerful reflection The Pope wrote while in hospital to reflect on what is important in life.
In this weeks episode Jono shares the story of a man called Jim Fleming who spoke recently about god's guidance on his life as a church planter and in the transition to a new role as a pastoral care coordinator.
In this weeks episode Jono hears from Ross Munro ,a church planter working in the titanic quarter of Belfast and leading a church plant called the Gathering.
In this weeks episode Jono shares the experience of another church planter in the Diocese called Matthew Gault who is working in a loyalist estate called Tullycarnett in East Belfast.
In this weeks episode Jono shares the thoughts of a church planter called Tim Burns who is working with refugees and Asylum seekers in a project called the suitcase project.
In this weeks episode Jono shares the story of a man called James Crockett who works as a church planter in a housing estate called The Braniel estate in Belfast. James tries to reconnect those who have got disconnected or never had a previous church connection. he shares the significance of Isaiah 61 verses 1-3 on God's call on his life to this ministry.
In this weeks episode Jono thinks about an old testament prophet called Haggai who got involved in rebuilding the church when people had lost heart and how his message holds hope for today.
In this weeks episode Jono speaks to Canon Bill Press about his faith journey, his recent sabbatical and a book he has writeen about ST.Patrick.
In this weeks episode Jono gives an insight into how his churches finances are overseen and how priorities are dealt with.
In this weeks episode Jono reflects on how people can encourage us out of the blue and come alongside us almost as God's designated person for that moment.
In the teeth of Storm Eowyn Jono reflects on its impact and on the perspective faith in Jesus brings to the storms we face in life.
In this weeks episode Jono Calls the listeners to pray for situations which feel overwhelming, the Los Angeles wildfires, the Civil war in South Sudan where our church has missionary links, the proposed ceasefire in Gaza and Israel and The challenges in our local community.
In this weeks episode Jono thinks about being a good neighbour, one of Jesus's commands and priorities and shares the inspiring example of his mum's neighbours and friends who look after her so well and support her so well.
In this weeks episode Jono thinks about leaving our mark on the world as he reflects on the lives of 3 very significant people who died recently.
In this weeks episode Jono thinks about this commonly asked question at this time of year. What might it look like for a member of the clergy? What might it look like for You?
In this weeks episode Jono thinks about the creative ways churches are reaching out with the message of Christmas and about why they are doing this.
In this weeks episode As the season of Advent begins, Jono thinks about the idea of waiting for the coming of Jesus and what that might look like for us today.
In this weeks episode Jono reflects on a recent confirmation service and says a little about what confirmation is and how meaningful the Bishop made this service for all the candidates.
In this weeks episode Jono thinks about an epic cycle challenge for Children in need, a charity that supports many projects working with vulnerable children and young people across the country. He offers some suggestions for a spiritual challenge. Are you up for it?
In this weeks episode Jono encourages us to think about what its like to be in someone else's shoes as a means of being more compassionate and praying with insight for their situation.
In this weeks episode Jono gives thanks for the infrastructure, the people who are important in his everyday life and encourages the listener to do the same
In this weeks episode Jono thinks of the many occasions in life and ministry where he feels compelled to rely on God to get him through and shares the words of a powerful hymn to reflect on this.
In this weeks episode Jono speaks to a man whose life was powerfully changed by encountering Jesus. His daughter was instrumental in inviting him to church for the first time and He has an extremely powerful story to share. Please be aware that the episode contains references to drug taking and self harm and suicidal thoughts which some listeners may find upsetting.
In this weeks episode Jono reflects on the escalating conflict in the middle East and how overwhelming that seems. He offers some prayers and thoughts on how to respond using materials from the Diocese of Dublin and Glendalough which partners with the Diocese of Jerusalem over many years.
In this weeks episode Jono reflects on meeting a neighbour who has coached sport for over 25 years and thinks about the role of coaches and mentors in the life of faith.
In this weeks episode Jono thinks about a forthcoming invitation service and its preparation and planning. Is it a gimmick or is it outreach?
In this weeks episode Jono meets an author called Niamh mcanally who discusses her memoir Following sunshine. She speaks of the importance of volunteering and shares some of her experiences from travelling the world. A most inspiring lady.
In this weeks episode Jono marks the celebration of 240 years of Sunday School in Ireland and reflects on the influence of sunday school teachers in his life and in the life of the church.
In this weeks episode Jono Speaks about the service when a new incumbent or priest in charge or minister is introduced to a new parish and in particular some of the symbols that are presented as part of that unique and special service.
In this weeks episode Bishop Michael Burrows speaks about his life and ministry and journey of faith. Bishop Michael is Bishop of a geographical area that covers almost a third of the area of Ireland
In this weeks episode Jono speaks with a fascinating guest called Stella Isaac about her school days, her passion for rowing where she represented Cambridge University, her naval career and historical research and the place faith has played in her life. Enjoy!
In this weeks episode Jono reflects on his own experience of living as a migrant and prays against the violence seen on our streets in recent weeks.
In this weeks episode Jono reflects on the fine margins separating success and failure in elite sports and congratulates parishioner Jack Mcmillan on olympic gold.
In this weeks episode Jono speaks to a mentor of his, someone who spoke at a vocations conference when he was a school boy, the wonderful Canon Gillian Wharton. Gillian speaks about what it was like as one of the first women ordained in the church of Ireland and shares some of her personal reflections on ministry. A great conversation!
In this weeks episode Jono reflects on lessons learn in watching a friend deal with disappointment and how her perspective of faith helped transform what could have been a very sad and disappointing experience into something joyful and hopefilled.
What is a Diocesan Synod and what does it do? In this weeks episode Jono explains what a synod is and shares some reflections from this years Diocesan synod.
In this weeks episode Jono pays tribute to a mentor of his in ministry who had a huge influence on him well over 30 years ago as he considered the ordained ministry and wishes Reverend Stephen Brook the happiest of birthdays!
In this weeks episode Jono thinks about ministry in hospital, What that looks like and some different experiences of it and shares some prayers for people in hospital.
In this weeks episode Jono thinks about some of his disappointments in exams and encourages those sitting exams at present to keep things in perspective. He shares a prayer for those studying at the present time.
In this weeks episode Jono describes what an online prayer meeting looks like in his context and how it has drawn people together in a powerful way.
In this weeks episode Jono thinks about the central part pastoral care plays in his denomination the Church of Ireland. He considers the importance of visiting in places like hospitals, schools, nursing homes and people's homes and workplaces and building up those important relationships with people.
In this weeks episode Jono shares some insights he gained through an event run by a charity called Care for the family about parenting teenagers. The Charity has a powerful website with great resources for all sorts of situations from parenting to navigating grief and learning to communicate better. Check it out on cff.org.uk
In this weeks episode Jono reflects on a powerful conversation he heard in a podcast called the Carey Nieuhof leadership podcast (Episode 646) between a Christian leader Carey Nieuhof and an atheist professor of economics and author and podcaster Professor G (Scott Galloway). The respectful way in which the conversation took place and the engaging content was a real antidote to much of the toxicity in public discourse today.
In this weeks episode Jono welcomes Stevie Mulrooney to the podcast. Stevie won the heart of the nation as he sang Ireland's call before an irish rugby international earlier this year and he shares a little about that experience and how his year has been since his memorable appearance on the late late toy show at Christmas. A remarkable young man! He also sings Livin on a prayer.
In this weeks episode Jono reflects on the challenging topic of young people and the church and suggests some key elements that help young people's programmes to work well.
In this weeks episode Jono shares a little bit about some of the behind the scenes preparations for the season of Easter
In this weeks episode Jono discusses why Holy Week is such a significant week in the lives of Christians worldwide. He suggests as an immersive experience you should check out whats happening in your local area and check it out for yourself.
In this weeks episode Jono Thinks about an initiative to light beacons in every church in the diocese and to think about the significance of St.Patrick's life and legacy
In this weeks episode Jono looks at the subject of meetings and trying to get the best out of them.