The Roots for Churches podcast

Episode 18: Jesus vs the Bad Guys: Engaging children with Bible stories, with Dr Jared Neusch

In a world brimming with imaginative, action-packed stories for kids, what expectations do children have when they hear Bible stories?  Melanie welcomes Dr Jared Neusch, a lecturer at St Mellitus College in London, to discuss his new children's book, Jesus vs the Bad Guys, and explore how we can effectively engage young minds with the Bible's complex and sometimes challenging narratives.
Jared shares insights from his theological journey and his passion for making biblical stories accessible and exciting for children. He emphasises the importance of presenting Jesus as the central figure, highlighting his message of enemy-loving forgiveness. The conversation touches on the challenges of introducing children to the Bible's stories and the assumptions they bring to narratives, encouraging an approach that respects their innate sense of good and evil while guiding them toward understanding God's true character.
Jared offers practical advice on storytelling and hermeneutics, advocating for a Christ-centred interpretive framework. He discusses the importance of not oversimplifying Bible stories into neat moral lessons and instead allowing children to explore the narratives' depth and complexity. The episode concludes with reflections on how Jesus' teachings challenge societal norms and provide a model for overcoming evil with love and forgiveness.
An enlightening conversation that promises to inspire parents, educators, and church leaders to rethink how they share the Bible with the next generation.
Jared's book Jesus vs the Bad guys is published by Tyndale Kids and is available online.
www.rootsforchurches.com

Episode 17: Passing on faith as a grandparent, with Becky Sedgwick

Are you a grandparent by blood, adoption, or to young people you've drawn into your circle of care and affection? Or do you have a number of grandparents in your church? Passing on faith as a grandparent may feel a little tricky. Some might say, "My grandchildren live far away, I don't see them all that often. How can I make an impact?" Others might wonder, "My children don't attend church anymore, so what can I do to ensure my grandchildren learn about faith?" Or, "My grandchildren only come to church with me occasionally. How can I make the most of that time?"
Today, we're exploring grandparenting for faith with Becky Sedgwick, unpacking how you can support your grandchildren or the grandparents in your congregation to confidently and prayerfully pass on faith to the younger generation. Join us on the Roots for Churches podcast as Becky shares her wisdom and insights, delving into her journey with the organization Parenting for Faith and the creation of her book, "Grandparenting for Faith."
Becky discusses the powerful influence grandparents have, the importance of building strong connections, and practical steps to disciple grandchildren. Whether your grandchildren live nearby or far away, Becky offers encouragement and actionable advice to help you nurture their faith. Plus, discover how churches can better support grandparents in their vital role.
Tune in to learn more about creating meaningful faith experiences for your grandchildren and fostering a legacy of love and spirituality. 
Buy Becky's book, Grandparenting for Faith
Becky Sedgwick: Three truths Christian grandparents need to know
Parenting for Faith Podcast

Episode 16: What's new? A new lectionary year, 'Worship Together' magazine and a Nativity Trail

What's new at Roots? We're celebrating some new beginnings as we approach a new lectionary year. Melanie explores the purpose and themes of the revised common lectionary - a curated collection of Bible readings designed to guide worship services throughout the year.
We discuss the shift towards intergenerational worship, with insights from Tracey Messenger, the editor of the newly renamed Worship Together magazine and preview an advance copy to see what's changed.
We introduce exciting new resources from Roots, including the Nativity Trail — a creative way for churches to engage their communities with the Christmas story. And hear from Pete Benest who ran the Roots Easter trail with his church in Shepshed this year. Join us as we explore these fresh initiatives designed to support and inspire churches in their mission to lead, preach, and nurture faith.
To order the nativity trail visit: www.rootsforchurches.com/advent-christmas2024
To subscribe visit www.rootsforchurches.com

Episode 15: Celebrating Black History Month in the Church, with Richard Reddie

Melanie explores the significance of Black History Month in the church setting with Richard Reddie, Director of Justice and Inclusion for Churches Together in Britain and Ireland. Richard shares the vital contributions of black people to British history and the UK church.
While in previous years, Black History month focussed on Martin Luther King Jr and the transatlantic slave trade, we reflect on the influence of the Windrush generation on the UK church. Richard also addresses common concerns about the authenticity of celebrating Black History Month in less diverse congregations and the importance of breaking the silence on racism.
Join us as we learn how any church can honour Black History Month meaningfully, fostering inclusivity and celebrating the rich, often overlooked contributions of black Christians. Discover resources and practical steps to engage your congregation in this essential journey of justice and inclusion.
Show Links:
Book: African Kings by Ricky Strachan
Churches Together in Britain and Ireland (CTBI) produce resources for BHM to provide a fulsome understanding of this annual celebration. www.ctbi.org
The Baptist Union's Visions of Colour resource contains material that can be used throughout the year, including Black History Month.
Keep the Faith magazine produces an annual Black History Month special which is available in October.
 
Richard's Recommended Books
General
Adedibu, Babatunde. Coat of Many Colours. Wisdom Summit. 2012.
Aldred, Joe. Flourishing in Babylon: Black British Agency and Self-Determination. SCM. 2024.
Dixon McKenzie, Dulcie A., Pauline E. Muir, and Monique M. Ingalls. Black British Gospel Music: From the Windrush Generation to Black Lives Matter. 1st ed. Routledge. 2024.
Reddie, Richard. Race for Justice: The struggle for equality and inclusion in British and Irish churches. Monarch Books. 2022.
Sturge, Mark. Look What the Lord Has Done!: An Exploration of Black Christian Faith in Britain. Scripture Union Publishing. 2005.
Smith, S.A. British black gospel: The foundations of this vibrant UK sound. Monarch Books. 2009.
 
Adult
Adi, Hakim. Black Voices on Britain: Selected Writings. Macmillan Collector's Library. 2022.
Bourne, Stephen. Black Poppies: Britain's Black Community and the Great War. The History Press. 2nd Ed. 2019.
Bourne, Stephen. Under Fire: Black Britain in Wartime 1939–45. The History Press. 2020.
Dabydeen, David, Gilmore, John and Jones, Cecilia. The Oxford Companion to Black British History. Oxford University Press. 2007.
Fryer, Peter. Staying Power: The History of Black People in Britain Paperback. Pluto Press. 2018.
Gilroy, Paul and Hall, Stuart. Black Britain: A Photographic History Paperback. Saqi Books. 2011.
Kaufmann, Miranda Black Tudors: The Untold Story. One World Press. 2018.
Olusoga, David. Black and British: A Forgotten History. Picador. 2021.
Olusoga, David. The Black History Book: Big Ideas Simply Explained. DK Publishers. 2021.
Vernon, Patrick and Osborne, Angelina. 100 Great Black Britons. Robinson. 2021.
McMillan, Michael. The Front Room: Diaspora Migrant Aesthetics in the Home. Lund Humphries Publishers Ltd: Revised edition. 2023.
Renfrew, Barry. Britain's Black Regiments: Fighting for Empire and Equality. The History Press. 2020.
Walker, Robin, Marshall, Vanika, Berry, Paula and Vaughn, Anthony. Black British History: Black Influences on British Culture (1948 to 2016): 32 Hours of Teaching and Learning Material for Parents, Guardians, and Teachers of Secondary School Students. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform. 2017.
Warner, Tony. Black History Walks. Jacaranda Books. 2022.
 
Children and young people
Atinuke and Nebechi, Kingsley. Brilliant Black British History. Bloomsbury Children's Books. 2024.
Harper, Mireille. Timelines from Black History: Leaders, Legends, Legacies. DK Children. 2020.
Harrison, Vashti. Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History. Puffin. 2019.
Mensah, Millie. The Black Curriculum Migration: Journeys Through Black British History. DK Children. 2022.
Narjee, Lania. The Black Curriculum Legacies: Black British Pioneers. DK Children. 2022.
Olusoga, David et al. Black and British: An Illustrated History. Macmillan Children's Books. 2021.
Olusoga, David. Black and British: A short, essential history. Macmillan Children's Books. 2020.
Walker, Robin. Black History Matters. Franklin Watts. 2021.
Williams, J.T. Williams and Vives, Angela. Bright Stars of Black British History. Thames and Hudson. 2023.

Episode 14: Embracing Intercultural Worship, with Ali and Steve Taylor

According to the 2022 census, 16% of the UK population was born abroad. Including children born into these families, over a quarter of the population has an intercultural identity. How can the church honour, engage, and celebrate these diverse cultures in worship and prayer?
In this episode, Melanie speaks with Ali and Steve Taylor, co-vicars at St James Alperton, a multicultural parish in London. With 25 years of marriage and ministry, they share their journey of exploring the richness of an intercultural church. They discuss practical tools and values needed to disciple, lead, worship, share communion, and do life together in an intercultural setting.
Steve, a regular contributor to Roots, has written an article on multilingual communion. Join us as we delve into their experiences, from praying in different languages to integrating diverse cultural practices in church life. Learn how they navigate the challenges and celebrate the beauty of intercultural worship.
Show Notes:
ICUK Network 
Anglican Network of Intercultural Churches 
 

Episode 13: Missional toddler groups, with Juz Paice

Is your church looking to connect with parents and young children in your community? Perhaps you've had a parent and toddler group meeting in your church hall for many years, but do people know it's associated with your church? Is there much crossover between the people who come and the people who turn up on Sunday mornings?
Melanie talks to Juz Paice, Head of Kids Mission and Ministry at St Peter's in Harrow, discussing how to make your toddler group distinctively Christian and missional without scaring everyone away. Juz shares her extensive experience, having worked with under fives for 40 years, and provides practical advice on integrating faith into toddler groups, building community, and making meaningful connections.
We explore how to make the link between church and toddler groups stronger, the importance of church leadership involvement, and the potential for toddler groups to serve as a launch pad for other church activities and ministries. Juz highlights the significance of understanding your community's specific needs and tailoring your approach accordingly.
Join us for an insightful conversation that will inspire and equip you to make the most of your church's toddler group as a powerful tool for outreach and ministry.
 
See also:
Juz's article unpacking this topic in Roots Children and Youth magazine, Issue 134 (Nov/Dec 2024), and online (Roots subscribers only).
Root's Under 5's curriculum for your toddler group
1277 Make them count, a national network of toddler groups, on facebook
National Childbirth Trust

Episode 12: Welcoming children to Communion, with Mary Hawes

Communion is a profound way to experience God's presence and feel included in a church community. This episode explores the importance of involving children in this sacrament and addresses potential barriers that may prevent their participation. Revd Mary Hawes joins Melanie to discuss the theological and practical considerations of all-age communion, and how to make services more inclusive and meaningful for everyone.
They unpack the new "Bread and Wine" resource from Roots, which includes prayers, case studies, and articles designed to enrich communion. Listen in as they share insights on making Communion a welcoming and significant experience for both children and adults in the church community.
Roots Bread&Wine Communion resources
Roots Visual Timetable for churches
Mary's Article on Communion in Roots Adult & All Age magazine
Joyce Bellous & David Csinos: Spiritual Styles and Roots
Godly Play: The Circle of the Holy Eucharist
Parenting for faith
Messy Church Eucharist

Episode 11: Uncomfortable questions: the Middle East conflict through the lens of Scripture, with John Parr

The current conflict between Hamas, Israel, and now Hezbollah, regularly fills our news screens. As we intercede for peace in our church prayers, the Psalms and Old Testament readings often seem to endorse Israel’s return to possess the land and God's triumph over Israel's enemies. This raises the uncomfortable question: Does Scripture validate Israel's current military actions? How do we reconcile Jesus' teaching to love our neighbours and pray for those who persecute us with the ongoing conflict in the Middle East?
John Parr, an Anglican priest with years of academic and personal experience, joins us to explore these challenging questions. John shares insights from his studies in Latin American liberation theology and his visits to the Holy Land, where he engaged with both Jewish and Palestinian communities. Together, we delve into the complexities of interpreting biblical promises about land and how they relate to modern geopolitical realities.
We discuss the historical and cultural context of the Old Testament scriptures, the varied interpretations within the Jewish and Christian traditions, and how the New Testament teachings of Jesus might guide us today. This episode is a thoughtful examination of how we as Christians can understand and apply ancient texts to contemporary conflicts, striving for peace and reconciliation in a divided world.
Read John's article on the Roots for Churches website.

Episode 10: Education Sunday and how churches can serve schools and colleges, with Sarah Lane Cawte

Melanie and Sarah discuss how your church can build relationships with schools, colleges and universities in your community. We survey the historic relationship of churches in education and share many ideas for ways to serve schools and connect with students and colleges.
Find out more about Education Sunday and the resources available to help your church pray and connect with education in your area.
Sarah Lane Cawte is Education Officer for the Free Churches Group and Manager for Education Sunday for Churches Together in England.
More resources here:
www.cte.org.uk/educationsunday2024
www.rootsforchurches.com/school-visits-to-churches
https://childrensministrynetwork.org/

Episode 9: How should the Church engage with politics, with Andy Flannagan

Andy Flannagan is a singer-songwriter and the director of Christians in Politics. Melanie and Andy discuss why Christians should engage with politics, while combatting the cynicism that pervades our society. Andy gives a framework for how the Church can engage with politics, building relationships and praying for local politicians, not just in the run-up to the election, although this is an opportunity not to be missed, but throughout the year. What kind of leaders should we have? What are we to do about fake news and misinformation? How can we judge policies by scripture? Is compromise alright? And how can we more meaningfully engage with the democratic process?
Show notes:
More about Andy, his music, books and links: www.andyflan.com
Prayers, videos and courses from: www.christiansinpolitics.org.uk
Compare candidates and policies: www.engage24.org.uk