Podcasts about Sunday Assembly

Mark McKergow PhD MBA is a scientist by training and by nature, who continues to seek simplicity and reliability in learning and change. His influences range from systems thinking and brain research to language, narrative, and philosophy. Mark has pioneered the use of solutions-focused methods in organizational and business contexts. He has presented the Solutions Focus on every continent except Antarctica and now runs sfwork—The Centre for Solutions Focus at Work (http://sfwork.com) .  Mark was instrumental in the founding of the SOLWorld (Solutions in Organisations Linkup) conference series, is a member of the SOLWorld international steering group, and founded Solutions Books with Jenny Clarke in 2005. He edits the Journal of Solution Focused Practices (http://journalsfp.org). He has since developed more ways to make organizations humane and effective, including Host Leadership and Village In The City, and has been involved in the international Sunday Assembly “secular church” movement since its inception. He writes Steps To A Humanity of Organisation on Substack (http://markmckergow.substack.com).  For more information on the new third edition of The Solutions Focus go to http://thesolutionsfocus.com.

Sunday Assembly for Sunday July 21, 2024.

I think I got the original post slightly off. I was critiquing Sam Kriss' claim that the best traditions come from “just doing stuff”, without trying to tie things back to anything in the past. The counterexample I was thinking of was all the 2010s New Atheist attempts to reinvent “church, but secular”. These were well-intentioned. Christians get lots of benefits from going to church, like a good community. These benefits don't seem obviously dependent on the religious nature. So instead of tying your weekly meeting back to what Jesus and St. Peter and so on said two thousand years ago, why not “just do stuff” and have a secular weekly meeting? Most of these attempts fell apart. One of them, the Sunday Assembly, clings to existence but doesn't seem too successful. People with ancient traditions 1, people who just do stuff 0. But after thinking about it more, maybe this isn't what Sam means. https://www.astralcodexten.com/p/clarification-on-fake-tradition-is 

Kyle continues his series Cut to the Chase, from Acts 17, with Paul's introduction of God to what we would probably call, today, an atheist church.

Church without God: How secular congregations fill a need for some nonreligious AmericansThe Lake Sun, By Jacqui Frost , on January 11, 2024https://www.lakenewsonline.com/premium/stories/church-without-god-how-secular-congregations-fill-a-need-for-some-nonreligious-americans,66041The Non-Prophets, Episode 23.4.3 featuring Scott Dickie, Phil the Skeptic Atheist, Jonathan Roudabush and Helen GreeneThe panel delves into the intriguing emergence of atheist churches and secular congregations as a burgeoning trend. These gatherings, exemplified by initiatives like the Sunday Assembly, provide a unique space for non-religious individuals to partake in community-building activities reminiscent of religious rituals. The concept includes shared testimonies, collective singing, and even de-baptism ceremonies, all aimed at fostering a sense of belonging without the supernatural elements inherent in traditional religious practices.The discussion unfolds with the recognition of the inherent human desire for social connection and community support. The panel acknowledges the positive aspects of these secular gatherings, particularly for individuals who have recently transitioned away from religious communities. The prospect of finding a supportive community, engaging in shared activities, and building bonds akin to a family is considered a valuable aspect of these initiatives.However, the panel also critically examines the language used in the article, expressing concerns about the term "atheist churches." They highlight the potential for such terminology to inadvertently convey the idea that atheism itself is a form of religion. This prompts a discussion on the need for clear distinctions between secular communities and religious institutions, emphasizing that atheism is a lack of belief in deities rather than a religious stance.As the conversation unfolds, the panel members share their thoughts on the broader implications of this trend. While acknowledging the likelihood of secular congregations coexisting with religious counterparts, they foresee a potential shift where the influence and prominence of traditional religious congregations might diminish over time. However, the consensus remains that complete eradication of religious congregations is unlikely, with coexistence being the more plausible outcome in the evolving landscape of human community and belief systems.

CW: gender-based violence, sexual assault, religious trauma, intimate partner violenceDr. Katie Cross is Lecturer in Practical Theology at Christ's College at the University of Aberdeen. She is the author of The Sunday Assembly and Theologies of Suffering and the co-editor of Feminist Trauma Theologies and Bearing Witness. (Bonus note: Her co-editor is last week's guest Karen O'Donnell!)In this episode we learn about feminist trauma theologies. Dr. Cross explains how her work with the Sunday Assembly, an atheist community, and their understandings of suffering and trauma led to her explorations of trauma theologies broadly and feminist trauma theologies specifically. She explains the importance of bearing witness to stories and carefully sitting with those who have experienced trauma.Team members on the episode from The Two Cities include: Dr. John Anthony Dunne and Dr. Madison Pierce.Series Disclaimer: This series explores the concept of “trauma,” its sources, and its expressions from a range of perspectives. Some of our guests are licensed mental health professionals; some are those with formative experiences of trauma; and others are those who explore trauma through various theoretical frameworks. We hope that this series provides useful information to all that enables them to begin to be trauma-informed and to love others and themselves better. Our series is by no means meant to replace the important work of one-on-one time with a trauma-informed professional. Get bonus content on Patreon Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Steven Phelps spent over 20 years of his life as a musician and entertainer, with many of those years including a role as a music and choir leader in a Baptist Church in Tennessee. After deconstructing from Christianity in 2023, Steven put his musical skills to work in the name of secularism instead, creating his YouTube channel, the Upbeat Atheist, and joining the board of Sunday Assembly Nashville, a secular service meant to recreate the community and familial feeling often associated with church, while removing the religious customs. Steven is now retired, and shares his story with us on episode 104 of Growing Up Fundie. Verbatim - Secular Music - The Upbeat Atheist https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AVuOvkHGLQQSunday Assembly Nashvillehttps://www.sundayassemblynashville.com/_______________________________________________________________Find this episode, and others here:Website:www.growingupfundiepodcast.comSpotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/2EHJGf8kGbSV9SRbqsfYKSApple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/growing-up-fundie/id1602008078Amazon Music:https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/ad6ac91e-c2fb-47d6-8658-df8aed941eac/growing-up-fundiePatreon:https://www.patreon.com/sydneydavisjrjrBuzzsprout Subscriptions:https://www.buzzsprout.com/1908164/supporters/newYoutube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5QuI5etVfbJoTVAhbRGMkADiscord:https://discord.gg/XQNG4nD5Our Subreddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/GrowingUpFundie/More about the host, Sydney Davis Jr. Jr.sydneydavisjrjr.comThink you might make a great guest, or know someone who would be?Apply for yourself, or nominate someone here:https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeHiy8KYW38tyKUD6MbFmOwCKdeWVHAbIA9qst1RBQf4rRPXg/viewform?usp=share_linkSupport the show

Welcome to worship! This Sunday, we remember that when the pencils of life keep running into what is good, God's love holds adapts and moves and holds us in care.

Welcome to worship! This morning we remember God's rainbow of promise, discover rainbows hiding everywhere there is light, and remember God's love cannot, will not be drowned.

Welcome to worship! On this Holy Trinity Sunday, we explore together what God is like.

Welcome to worship! On this Pentecost Sunday, we remember a God that is close to our hearts, and helps our hearts flow with rivers of living water.

Welcome to worship! As many drops of water that you have experienced in all your life, that many times over God has reminded you - us - that we are beloved.

Welcome to worship! This Sunday, Trinity enters the new year by singing the presence of Immanuel - God with us. All hymns reprinted by permission under OneLicense.net #728167-A; expires 1/12/2023.

Welcome to worship! Today, Trinity rests in the Christmas hope of our past, present, and future.

This episode of Greenbelt's ‘Somewhere To Believe In' comes in the form of a one-off Christmas reflection; brought to you by our friend Beloved Sara Zaltash, a ‘non-denominational rabble-rouser and soul-soother for a world in crisis'. It was our pleasure to welcome Beloved Sara to Greenbelt for the first time this year, along with her heavenly spiritual chants and adaptation of the Islamic Call to Prayer. And now she's back again, reflecting on Christmas, with personal stories of community, songs of hope and prayers of blessings. As Beloved Sara says, we hope ‘you gather around these sounds in warmth and with whatever is dear to you, and that these words shine a beacon of friendship into your Christmas season.' This episode features strong language and references to drugs._Late this November, Greenbelt Festival's Creative Director, Paul Northup, called me with a request to collaborate on something like a podcast, that wasn't quite a podcast, to be shared with the Greenbelt community this Christmastime. I wish I could say that the first emotion I experienced was humility. I wish I was that saint! In truth, I was overwhelmed with giddy delight. Was I really being asked to share my thoughts, stories and songs with the Greenbelt community, that vital and gorgeous and exceptionally kind bunch of people that had won my heart this summer when I performed at the festival? In truth, it took a whole afternoon of pinching myself before the thrill of Paul's request subsided, before I could settle into what was being asked of me. Did Greenbelters really want to hear more from me? What can I give them, poor as I am? As the start of Advent loomed, Paul and I realised that the task ahead was greater than the time available, and that we needed a different approach. Paul wondered about centering the not-exactly-a-podcast on my voice, seeing as it was my voice that had been received so kindly by Greenbelters at the festival. It was then that I remembered a piece of storytelling I had written for a guest slot at Sunday Assembly East End in December 2016 - a personal story, woven with song, that was Christmassy and yet not-exactly-Christmassy. This story is what we have chosen to share with you this year. Funnily enough, Sunday Assembly thought that the story was actually too Christian for their congregation. For me, this story abridges my whole life's experience of sincere acceptance, inclusion and welcome into Christian community, regardless of how I have shown up. This story does not promote any specific belief or doctrine, except perhaps the belief in the redemptive power of song. That's what we have to give you; we give our hearts. Thank you for all of the support and willingness offered by the Greenbelt team and not-quite-podcast contributors. Thank you especially to Abigail Maxwell, a Greenbelter and Quaker who provides us with a sobering prayer of blessing that we can hold alongside the gladness of the season. I pray that our offering greets you in the finest health, that you gather around these sounds in warmth and with whatever is dear to you, and that these words shine a beacon of friendship into your Christmas season.Yours ever, Your own, Beloved Sara Zaltash_00:00 - Introduction01:45 - In the bleak midwinter07:33 - A Christmas song10:04 - Eric16:16 - School28:10 - Merry Christmas28:37 - A prayer of blessing31:04 - ‘In the Bleak Midwinter' song Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to worship! This morning, Trinity hears about Christ as a different, loving, self-giving king.

Welcome to worship! As Trinity enters into Advent, we open ourselves up once more - to hope, and to surprises - as we wait for the coming of Christ.

In Jan 2013 a new church began in London - with singing, a sermon and a great sense of community - but for godless people. Atheist stand up comedian Sanderson Jones who co-founded "the Sunday Assembly" talked about its first meeting and why he set it up. David Robertson, at the time a church minister, asked questions about whether an "atheist church" makes sense and what Christians could learn from it. Justin was also joined by two of those who attended the first service, Rory Fenton and Simon Jenkins.   • Subscribe to the Unbelievable? podcast: https://pod.link/267142101 • More shows, free eBook & newsletter: https://premierunbelievable.com • For live events: http://www.unbelievable.live • For online learning: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/training-and-events • Support us in the USA: http://www.premierinsight.org/unbelievableshow • Support us in the rest of the world: https://www.premierunbelievable.com/donate

Welcome! This morning, Trinity looks to the God of heaven and earth incarnate as he ties a towel around his waist and serves, inviting us to do the same.

Welcome! This morning, Trinity finds its hope, faith, and resurrection in our midst through the sharing we do with one another.

Welcome to worship! This Sunday, we hear of good things that happen when God says no.

Welcome! This Sunday, we hear of a God that gives themself away, and have hope that we will find something wonderful as we do the same.

Welcome! As seven young ones join the Communion table for the first time, we remember what God has taught us at so many tables: God loves us - God loves YOU - as you are, no matter what.

Welcome! This morning, we hear through rough hyperbole that there is nothing in our lives God doesn't call into love, grace, and action. In this we find both hope and grief.

Welcome! This Sunday, we hear that we each have a place at God's table - and we are called to make space for everyone at our own.

Welcome! This Sunday, Trinity finds Jesus weaving healing and goodness into the everyday lives of familiar people. We find hope here, that God might weave healing and goodness into our everyday, familiar lives too.

Welcome to worship! This morning, we reflect on the ways a good use of God's Word ultimately leads to good fruit, and a bad use of God's Word ultimately, needlessly, hurts.

Welcome! This morning, Trinity wrestles with a tension found in Jesus' story.

Welcome! This Sunday, Trinity rests in the promises of God.

Welcome! Together, we sit in reflection on God's work in our world.

Welcome! This Sunday, we rest knowing that God loves us and all people.

Welcome! This Sunday, God calls us beloved.

Welcome! On Pentecost Sunday, Trinity affirms faith in a different, holy God.

Welcome! On this Holy Trinity Sunday, we remember many experiences of God, and focus on what is common in them all.

Welcome! This morning, Trinity stands between the presence of Jesus and something new, reflecting on who we are becoming.

We are excited to have Brian Bragg join us this Sunday for Assembly.

This morning Trinity reflects on the way the Holy Spirit makes a home with us, while building us up in the homes of one another.

Welcome to Sunday Assembly. Jeff Drullinger will be giving the sermon this morning. Thank you for listening.

In this episode we are joined by Dr. Jacqui Frost, a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at Rice University, to discuss the atheist practice of the Sunday Assembly. Although this burgeoning movement is sometimes referred to as an “Atheist Church,” we learn about what makes these communities different from religious practices. In a wide-ranging conversation, Jacqui explains what a Sunday Assembly service looks like in practice, how the congregations form and avoid hierarchy, and whether they can be a viable replacement for churches or mosques. We also learn whether a “True Atheist” can wish there was an afterlife or visit a psychic.In the bonus content, available exclusively to our supporters on Patreon, we talk with Jacqui about the science of creating rituals through scientific experimentation in “ritual labs.”For more about Jacqui's work: https://www.jacquifrost.com/Follow her on Twitter: https://twitter.com/ajacfrostFor more on the Sunday Assembly: https://www.sundayassembly.com/Follow Nathan on Twitter: https://twitter.com/NathGAlexanderNathan's website: https://www.nathangalexander.com/If you find the podcast valuable and want to support it, check out our Patreon page, where you will also find bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/beyond_atheism You can also contribute by going to https://anchor.fm/beyond-atheism and clicking the “Support” button. We are grateful for every contribution.

Kerry and Becky identify three levels of guest engagement--a church's pre-guest strategy, welcoming first-time guests, and encouraging returning guests to take a step toward community--and "the win" for each level.  Then, they identify and discuss a simple strategy for engaging guests to take a next step in their journey toward Christ.  Please join the discussion in Part Two of the series, "Helping Guests Engage Beyond the Sunday Assembly."

In this episode, Kerry and Becky discuss three levels for engaging guests to the Sunday assembly.  Then, they identify and discuss three barriers to such engagement.  What can church leaders do--and what should they not do--to encourage guests to go beyond just sitting in a pew on Sunday?  Tune in for Part One of this discussion!

Between oppression, disease, political upheaval, climate change, war, famine, and a multitude of other tragedies, it's easy to feel hopeless right now. In Hope in a Godless World we'll cover how to be hopeful in the face of it all, without appealing to any religious afterlife or divine justice, so that you can say yes to the world with energy and determination. Danielle LaSusa Ph.D. helps moms grapple with what it means to make a person. She is a Philosophical Coach and co-creator and co-host of Think Hard podcast, which brings philosophy to the real world. She has a PhD in Philosophy and a Graduate Certificate in Women's Studies from Temple University, and a certification in Philosophical Counseling from the American Philosophical Practitioners Association. When her daughter was born, she almost broke her brain trying to figure out what the hell happened. Now, she helps other moms make sense of motherhood. Hosted by Eric Wells, the RfR Support Group Director, and Amaia Perez, the RfR Online Programming Director Discussion Resources - Danielle's “Hope in a Godless World” Guest Lecture for Sunday Assembly, Portland - Short video on hope vs. optimism https://youtu.be/x1hIshih-uU - Choosing Hope: Practical Philosophy Class - Watch Anna Deavere Smith perform Cornel West's powerful monologue on hope vs. optimism in Twilight: Los Angeles 1992 (skip to 1:08:00) - “The Paradoxical Commandments” by Kent M. Keith https://www.paradoxicalcommandments.com For RfRx comments, inquiries & topical questions, email us at RfRx@recoveringfromreligion.org. Any time you are struggling with religious doubts or fears you can connect with a trained RfR Helpline agent 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. To chat online go to http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org. To talk over the phone, dial: (844) 368-2848 in the US & Canada If you are in need of professional help, we can offer the Secular Therapy Project to provide options to connect with a professional therapist. All therapists have been thoroughly vetted by our organization and offer only evidence-based and non-religious treatment. Connect with them at http://www.seculartherapy.org. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Tiktok. Volunteer: http://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/volunteer Donate: https://www.recoveringfromreligion.org/donate --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/recovering-from-religion/message

We spend a lot of time feeling very serious about seeking meaning in our lives; but is it possible that the secret lies in making the search more fun? Can we say a creative, mutually affirming “yes” more often? And when do we need a self-protective “no”? This week Andrew and improv comedy star Pippa Evans have lots of fun together as they compare the strategies of improvisational comedy with those of therapy. Perhaps the most interesting lesson from improv: “be in the moment that is, not the one you thought would come along”.  Pippa Evans is a comedian and writer known for her skills in improvisational comedy. She was a core member of the improv team behind the award-winning stage show Showstopper: The Improvised Musical which toured the UK and abroad, and has regularly appeared on BBC radio.  Pippa likes to “use jokes to find connection”, and teaches courses on improvisation and the ways it can help improve our relationships with ourselves and with others. She has recently written a book called Improv Your Life: An Improviser's Guide To Working With Whatever Life Throws At You. Among her many other accomplishments, Pippa is also the co-founder of the Sunday Assembly, a church for non-believers.  Follow Up Join our Supporters Club to access exclusive behind-the-scenes content, fan requests and the chance to ask Andrew your own questions. Membership starts at just £4.50. Read Pippa Evans' new book Improv Your Life: An Improviser's Guide to Working With Whatever Life Throws At You Take a look at Pippa's website  Find out more about the Sunday Assembly, a church for non-believers co-founded by Pippa and fellow comedian Sanderson Jones. Follow Pippa on Twitter and Instagram @IAmPippaEvans Get Andrew's book on rejuvenating your relationship when you feel you've lost the spark: Can We Start Again Please? Twenty Questions to Fall Back in Love  Read Andrew's advice on building a happy relationship with your partner: Three Secrets of a Happy Relationship https://andrewgmarshall.com/three-secrets-of-a-happy-relationship/  Andrew offers regular advice on love, marriage and finding meaning in your life via his social channels. Follow him on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube @andrewgmarshall 

In Part 2 in their series, How to Welcome Guests to the Sunday Assembly, Becky and Kerry discuss the practice of asking guests to complete a visitor's card and asking them to stand or be recognized in some way.  Also, they talk about the value of guests texting their presence in the assembly and ways in which churches can show appreciation for their visit.

How should churches welcome first-time guests to their weekend assemblies?  What qualities do church leaders need to look for in those who serve as greeters?  How important is it for church leaders to create a compelling and remarkable assembly?  Becky and Kerry discuss these and other questions in Part 1 of their series: "How to Welcome Guests to the Sunday Assembly."  

One of the questions that church leaders ask is: What can we do to attract more guests to our Sunday morning assembly?  That's an important question for churches who want to arrest their decline and accomplish their mission!  In this episode, the first in a series on Attracting Guests, Kerry and Becky discuss two, fundamental questions: Why should churches care about attracting more guests to their Sunday assembly? What is the purpose of the Sunday assembly? 

Mark McKergow spoke at TEDxKazimierz in 2018 on the topic of host leadership. Dr. Mark McKergow brings new ideas into the world of business and management, with an inimitable combination of scientific rigour and performance pizzazz. Mark is best known for his work on introduction the ideas of Solutions Focus (2002) and Host Leadership (2014), about which he has published extensively and helped to create self-sustaining user communities. He likes ideas and approaches that make things simpler, quicker, cheaper and more respectful - particularly when they are based on something counter-intuitive and game-changing. More on Mark at http://sfwork.com and http://hostleadership.com. Mark McKergow leads Sunday Assembly in Scotland and plays a leading role in supporting the movement worldwide. Useful Links Sunday Assembly London SOLWorld Solution Focused Working Sunday Assembly Online Mark McKergow's Linkedin Host Leadership - why"hosting" is an important type of leadership | Mark McKergow | TEDxKazimierz Bringing up children the Dutch way | Michele Hutchison | TEDxKazimierz Pippa Evans and Sanderson Jones' special message to TEDxKazimierz 2018 Mark McKergow's Facebook Live video recording of the podcast About your host Richard Lucas Richard is a business and social entrepreneur who founded, led and/or invested in more than 30 businesses, Richard has been a TEDx event organiser, supports the pro-entrepreneurship ecosystem, and leads entrepreneurship workshops at all levels: from pre-schools to leading business schools. Richard was born in Oxford and moved to Poland in 1991. Read more here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/entrepreneurship-and-leadership

Sanderson Jones is a comedian, a social entrepreneur and the co-founder of Sunday Assembly, a worldwide movement of secular congregations. In this episode, he talks about his early experiences of religion, the impact of losing his mum as a child, his sacred value of life and why he feels we all need more meaning and belonging.

This podcast is the first in a series of episodes where I'll be focussing on our annual event here in the south of England called the Happy Startup Summercamp. We first held this event in 2013 and we're now into our 7th year. Summercamp is the business event that Laurence and I were looking for when we were running our digital agency. It's a heady mix of inspirational talks, practical workshops, fun activities, deep conversations and serendipitous connections. We have veteran campers who come back every year and we have new attendees who have no idea what they're in for. They come together as strangers and leave as friends. Over the next 5 episodes I'll be talking to some of our Summercamp contributors so you can get to know them and what they bring to camp. My hope is you'll have a better understanding of what it's like to be at the event. I'm kicking off the series with the MC of Summercamp and the glue that sticks everything together. Sanderson Jones is one of the founders of Sunday Assembly and also the creator of Lifefulness. In Sandeson's words Lifefulness is to congregation what mindfulness is to meditation. During the discussion we talk about peak experiences, the importance of gathering with others and what it's like to be on startup love island. If you're passionate about building community and hosting events that create real impact then listen on. More about Summercamp Website - https://www.happystartupsummer.camp/ (www.happystartupsummer.camp) Gallery - https://www.facebook.com/pg/TheHappyStartupSchool/photos/?tab=album&album_id=1912693348767824 (https://www.facebook.com/pg/TheHappyStartupSchool/photos/?tab=album&album_id=1912693348767824) Trailer video - https://vimeo.com/298048389 (https://vimeo.com/298048389)

In the second episode of The Sacred, Elizabeth talks to comedian, writer and founder of the Sunday Assembly, Pippa Evans. Pippa is a regular on BBC radio 4 and has written and presented series for other broadcasters and networks. She also helped found the Sunday Assembly, which had been dubbed the "atheist church" on its inception. The organisation has grown to become a global movement for people who value faith and spirituality, in spite of not identifying as 'religious'. This episode also features an interview with Theos researcher Simon Perfect, on his project about free speech and university campuses. The Sacred is a podcast about the things we cherish and hold dear to us. It is supported by Theos, the religion and society think tank, and is produced by Hussein Kesvani and No Country media.