The Roots for Churches podcast

Episode 8: Supporting young minds - mental health strategies for churches, with Dr Kate Middleton

Whether it's anxiety, exam pressure, or managing big emotions and overwhelm, children and young people have a lot to deal with. Melanie and Revd Dr Kate Middleton discuss the importance of churches creating safe spaces for children and young people to have open conversations about their emotions and experiences. Churches must engage with issues around mental and emotional well-being, combining great psychology, psychiatry, and theology.
The conversation covers various strategies for helping children manage anxiety, the impact of technology and social media on mental health, and the importance of building healthy emotional rhythms and habits. Kate also provides practical advice for leaders and volunteers on how to support children proactively and recognize when professional help may be needed.
Kate has written an article unpacking this topic in Roots Children and Youth magazine, Issue 131 (May/June 2024), and it's also online via www.rootsforchurches.com
Show links:
https://thirtyoneeight.org
https://www.mindandsoulfoundation.org
https://www.beheadstrong.uk
https://www.youthscape.co.uk/mentalhealthhub

Episode 7: Disability language and theology, with Rev Katie Tupling

Reverend Katie Tupling helps us think about language and theology of disability in the Church. Drawing from her own experience living with cerebral palsy, Tupling unravels the complex relations between disability, faith and societal attitudes. We discuss the crucial role language and liturgy play in churches to creating inclusive spaces where disabled individuals not only feel a sense of belonging but have the opportunity to grow in their faith and minister to others.
To find out more: 
See her articles in Roots Adult & All Age, issues 133 and 134 www.rootsforchurches.com
Disability Access Audit (d3hgrlq6yacptf.cloudfront.net)
The disability charity Through the Roof has created a webpage to show churches and ministries where to find funding for building work to improve disabled access. https://bit.ly/ObtainFunding

Episode 6: The intersection of science and faith - exploring big questions, with Sarah Moring from God and the Big Bang

In this episode, we explore the intersection of faith and science with Sarah Moring from God and the Big Bang (GatBB).  Sarah encourages us to step into the gap between church teaching and the science curriculum to create a place where children and young people can ask their big questions, blending scientific exploration and faith formation.
The episode touches on creation and evolution, with an openness of perspective. How can we bring God our questions and our wondering, and find faith in our understanding of our world?
Roots has partnered with GatBB to create a STEM-themed Roots Holiday Club exploring:
Can science support faith in God? 
Can science answer all our questions?   
Can faith be based on evidence? 
Does science make it hard to believe in God?   
Does science solve all our problems?   
Through fun science-based activities, children are encouraged to discover more about faith and science. As well as experiments, discussions, crafts and quizzes, each session features a Bible passage to explore together and tells the story of a significant scientist, such as Mary Anning, in a way that helps to unpack the session theme.
Visit www.gatbb.co.uk or contact Sarah at info@gatbb.co.uk to find out how you can book God and the Big Bang to come into a school near you.

Episode 5: Dementia friendly church, with Debbie Thrower

Debbie Thrower, the founder of Anna Chaplaincy, is an Anglican licensed lay minister and former broadcaster.  She shares statistics on the rising rate of dementia in an aging society, highlighting the urgent need for churches to consider how we care for those with dementia.
Anna Chaplaincy, which is part of BRF Ministries, came into existence out of Debbie's personal experience dealing with her parents' complicated health issues. She now trains a team of pastoral volunteers who are based around the country to help with the emotional and spiritual care of the elderly.
Debbie shares how dementia can be prevented, particularly through regular social interaction and social engagement that often happens at Church. We discuss the experiences of those living with dementia (and their partners), the potential disruptions to church activities, and the necessity of maintaining social connections . Debbie emphasizes that one's value as God's child remains intact regardless of the cognitive deterioration dementia brings. 
With training, awareness and care, churches can help mitigate the challenges dementia patients and their families face. We discuss the  benefits of all-age services and the power of inclusive worship. The ultimate goal is to establish a church environment that is welcoming and inclusive to everyone, prompting us to rethink our ways of dealing with dementia.
We touch on safeguarding vulnerable adults and the vision of Anna Chaplains to become a nationally recognized symbol for spiritual care for the elderly, like McMillan nurses. Find more resources and training on their website www.annachaplaincy.org.uk.
Read the related article at rootsforchurches.com/dementia-friendly-church

Episode 4: Artificial Intelligence and the Church, with James Poulter

This episode seeks to dismantle some popular misconceptions about AI and demystify its implications for churches.
James Poulter shares his insights on the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and its potential benefits for churches. AI can provoke curiosity or fear, so he explains in simple terms how large language models like ChatGPT work and how the technology is gradually shaping our lives and the operation of organizations, including churches.
We discuss the opportunities, ethical and creative challenges around AI and whether you should use AI to write your sermons!
James explores the intriguing possibilities that AI presents in simplifying administrative tasks in churches. From transcribing sermons to automating administrative tasks, AI could potentially revolutionize church workflows. He elaborates on how AI can improve accessibility across languages while emphasizing the need for ethical and responsible use of the technology.
And we come back to the importance of understanding the value of the image of God in humanity, when a human can never be replaced.
Find more from James here:
https://www.ecclesiai.org/
https://vixenlabs.co/
www.rootsforchurches.com/worship-and-learning-support/articles/ai-invasion
 
 

Episode 3: Choosing hymns in worship - the challenges and joys, with Gillian Warson

Join us in our latest episode of the Roots Podcast where we sit down with Gillian Warson, a professional musician and part of the team of contributors who offer song suggestions for Roots' subscribers each week. We delve into the enduring relevance of hymns in worship, their historical and contemporary contexts. We discuss the thought process behind hymn selection, highlighting the relevance and power these age-old tunes continue to possess in a changing musical landscape.
Gillian champions the hymn's ability to embody and reflect societal changes, maintaining their adaptability and resilience over centuries. She also highlights the crucial role they play in making worship inclusive for children. Hear her address the misconception that children are more drawn to 'fast' or 'loud' songs and how incorporating hymns adds richness to their musical diet.
As Gillian shares her journey from a childhood interest in hymns to her current role promoting hymn-writing, we get an insight into the balance between honouring tradition, fostering inclusivity, and embracing change. We discuss the challenges of introducing new hymns into a church's musical repertoire and conclude on the note of unity in worship, as we strive to worship God through music.
Show notes:
Read Gillian's blog about how she chooses songs for Roots. 
Dr Gillian Warson is the author of Using Vintage Hymns in Worship: Hidden Treasures Rediscovered and one of the editors of First Flight Feathers: The Best of Worship Live. She is also the administrator for the Pratt Green Trust whose aim is to further the cause of hymnody. Find out more about their current hymn competitions.  
Find out more about Gillian.

Episode 2: Moving from accessibility to belonging, with Mark Arnold

Melanie Cave speaks with Mark Arnold, Additional Needs Ministry Director for Urban Saints. They discuss accessibility and the inclusion of Autistic people, as well as children and young people with additional needs, in ways that better foster connection and belonging. 
We also preview the new Roots' Visual Timetable for churches launching in 2024. Visit www.rootsforchurches.com/vt to order one for your ministry.
Read Mark's article at rootsforchurches.com/going-beyond-inclusion

Episode 1: Starting youth work from scratch, with Chris Curtis

Melanie Cave speaks with Chris Curtis, CEO of YouthScape, about how to start youth ministry when you have very few or no young people. Starting from scratch is possible!

Roots for Churches - Podcast trailer

Find out why Roots for Churches is launching a podcast and what you can expect.