Bitesize chunks of faith: Recent Episodes
Jono Pierce
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 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.
In this weeks episode Jono looks at the important topic of accessibility. He invited a special guest Beverley McGeown to speak at a service of thanksgiving to God for an accessibility project in the church and Beverley speaks so powerfully about this subject sharing thoughts from The Bible particularly 1 Corinthians 12 verses 12-26.
In this weeks episode Jono thinks abut the power of ordinary people doing ordinary things well and how that can be a very effective way to witness to our faith in Christ.
In this weeks episode Jono looks at the importance of finding a quiet space in our homes or outdoors or in our lives to hear from and engage with God.
In this weeks episode Jono share a conversation with Andrew and Joanne Quill who are soon to leave Nothern Ireland to work as mission partners with an agency Called CMS Ireland. They share of how God has placed this call on their lives to serve in a very different culture and context and share also something of their faith story in an inspiring conversation.
In this weeks episode Jono shares some thoughts on baptism, what it is and why it is significant for believers in Jesus
In this weeks episode Jono shares a little of how he began reading the Bible for himself and speaks of a new app he has been using for about 10 days or so. Its called the Every Day with Jesus (EDWJ) app.
Jono shares a little of the history of this devotional and why it has been so significant for him.
In this weeks episode Jono thinks about a forthcoming strike action in northern Ireland and how so many feel overwhelmed by the challenges of life at the present time. He suggests one or two techniques that have helped him and shares a prayer for all who currently feel overwhelmed.
In this weeks episode Jono speaks to Fiona Spargo Mabbs about her faith and the work of the Daniel Spargo Mabbs foundation which raises drug awareness among young people. Its a foundation set up in memory of Fiona's son Daniel, who died tragically in 2014 after taking MDMA (ecstasy) at an illegal rave. Fiona shares Dan's story in this very powerful conversation.
In this short episode to start 2024 Jono thinks about the challenge of living in the present moment and our inclination to always jump ahead to the next thing which heightens our anxiety. He shares a Bible verse which can help with this.
In this weeks episode Jono makes a few recommendations in terms of books both fiction and non fiction, blogs, and podcasts that he has enjoyed during the past year. Might be worth checking some of them out in those relaxing days around Christmas when walking off the dinner!
In this weeks episode Jono speaks about keeping things in their proper perspective as Christmas approaches. Sometimes things dont go as smoothly as we hope and its important to focus on whats truly important.
In this weeks episode Jono takes a look at what life is like for church leaders in the season of Advent and Christmas. He shares a tongue in cheek description of Christmas day for the Dean of Ossory (Kilkenny) and a prayer for this time of year
In this weeks episode Jono looks at the painful topic of unanswered prayer and how it can undermine our faith. He shares some insights from an American writer called Tyler Staton which have helped him in his own struggles with this painful challenge to faith.
In this weeks episode Jono reflects on a season spent worshipping in the church hall and looks forward to returning to the church building after an accessibility project is completed.
In this weeks episode Jono Speaks to a young woman called Erin Weir who has just left school and who works as a part time climbing instructor about how faith became important to her. She has some powerful things to share about authenticity.
In this weeks episode Jono shares a fascinating conversation with a writer called Deborah Sloan. Deborah reflects on her faith journey and her transition from a career in academia to becoming a writer. She's funny and thoughtful and we hope you enjoy this conversation. Dont forget to share it and help it go further if you have found it helpful.
In this weeks episode Jono asks the question how do we let others know we appreciate them? They might be volunteers in church, they might be people who play a significant role in our lives or our family's wellbeing but how can we let them know what they mean to us? He suggests a few ideas.
In this weeks episode Jono thinks about the challenges of deadlines and how the Church's year acts as a roadmap for Christians as key events in the life of Jesus are observed and celebrated and their significance acts as a signpost for our priorities.
In this weeks episode Jono reflects on a phrase he heard in a devotional app called Lectio 365 about being people whose words build bridges as he prays for the situation in Israel and Palestine at the present time.
In this weeks episode Jono reflects on a phonecall in which someone shared a prophetic word with him. What are prophetic words? Jono tries to explain his understanding.
In this weeks episode Jono speaks about being challenged to revere the scriptures by observing another religion do so and by hearing the story of a new believer from a country where Christianity is outlawed and punishable by death.
In this weeks episode Jono speaks to Sarah Yardley, a contributor to a Bible reading App called Lectio 365 about her varied life and ministry and her journey of Faith. Sarah also is the Mission lead for a Christian festival called CreationFest. Hope you enjoy what was a very inspiring conversation.
In this weeks episode Jono thinks a little about the difference it might make to speak kindly of others. He recognises the struggle we have with that when feelings run high. Can people of faith create a different culture in a toxic world?
In this weeks episode Jono thinks about those who devote their lives to passing the gift of faith onto others. He reflects on spending some time in the company of evangelist Rev Greg Downes and the cost involved in this ministry.
In this weeks episode Jono thinks about the forthcoming Rugby world cup and a brilliant book he read about legacy, some lesson we can take from the New Zealand Rugby team about life. He reflects on what sort of legacy we might want to leave behind and how this question, rather than being morbid gives us purpose and hope especially when faith drives our approach to life.
In this weeks episode Jono reflects on going back to school, transitioning to new schools, starting schools and 3rd level education. He thinks about it from the perspective of pupils, teachers, and parents and prays for all in that situation.
In this weeks episode Jono explains a little about home groups or life groups which are small groups that meet in people's homes. they are part of many churches life. He looks at what they do, how they work and what they look like in his church context,
In this weeks episode Jono welcomes Reverend Greg Downes who will be the guest speaker at the Bishops Bible week in Willowfield parish church in East belfast from 29 August- 1st September at 7.45pm each evening. Greg is a theologian and evangelist and it was a powerful conversation!
In this weeks episode Jono chats to Bishop David McClay, Bishop of Down and Dromore about his life and ministry and in anticipation of Bishops bible week coming up in the last week of August.
In this weeks episode Jono thinks about building projects in church reflecting on a significant one in the Bible as a backdrop to a project his church is involved in to make the building and the grounds more accessible for those with mobility issues.
In this weeks episode Jono reflects on the death of 3 well known people who were part of the backdrop of his life to reflect on our mortality.
In this weeks episode Jono encourages us to think about what its like to be a visitor in church, some of the things visitors might find strange or challenging and encourages us to think of how we might make that visit easier.
In this weeks episode Jono shares some experiences of visiting different churches on holiday including a visit to his own church before he went to work there!
This week Jono reflects on attending a school prizegiving with some takeaways for a person of faith.
In this weeks episode jono speaks to a recently commissioned diocesan lay reader Diane Ruddock about her journey of faith
In this weeks episode Jono looks at our tendency to live life at a very fast pace and how unsustainable that can be for our health and for the wellbeing of those closest to us. He shares some insights from Pete Greig and John Mark Comer, 2 wise and respected Christian leaders.
In this weeks episode Jono looks at the way different churches have different structures of doing business and governance. He reflects on some of the business of the Diocesan Synod which took place earlier this week.
In this weeks episode Jono looks at the way society perceives the church and how often it is seemed as irrelevant or as having no value. He tells a couple of stories which challenge that view and show how vital a role church plays as a volunteer body within our society making a real difference to people's lives.
In this weeks episode Jono looks at a story that has dominated the headlines in the media about TV personality Philip Schofield and tries to respond to the story from a perspective of faith.
In this weeks episode Jono invites a friend of his, Gillian Stevenson to speak on the subject Is God calling you as she uses the biblical figure of Moses to help us think about this vitally important question and shares some prayers with us.
In this weeks episode Jono reflects on a week of outreach and mission and all the various ways we might weave faith and spiritual conversations into our everyday lives in a non threatening way.
In this weeks episode Jono thinks about leaving school or university as people make that transition at this time of year.
In this weeks episode as the Coronation of King Charles the Third takes place in Westminster Abbey Jono looks at some of the religious significance of the service and the links between so many parts of the service and the Bible and our Christian heritage.
In this weeks episode Jono shares a fascinating conversation with Rob jones the newly appointed director of Pioneer ministry and the Rector of Rathmines and Harolds Cross in Dublin Ireland. They talk about Rob's spiritual journey and his passion to reach out and help churches to reach out to those who for all sorts of reasons have got disconnected from the life of faith.
in this weeks episode Jono looks at the subject of vocation, doing what God wants us to do with our lives. He explores the subject in an interview with his colleague Andy who changed his life a few years ago moving from a career as a primary school teacher to becoming an ordained minister in the Church of Ireland. Andy speaks about some of the joys and challenges of that change in a fascinating interview.
In this weeks episode Jono reflects on some valuable lessons for the church and the life of faith from a climbing trip he shared with his son Conor over half term.
In this weeks episode Jono reflects on some special Holy weeks and Easters He has experienced and shares a reflection shared with him about washing feet.
In this weeks episode Jono explores the challenging topic of envy in leadership as he anticipates the events of Holy Week, the last week in Jesus's life.
In this weeks episode Jono Describes his experience of training for ministry and some of the aspects of that which have helped to shape him as a leader.
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 her own faith journey, formative experiences and the work she does.
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!
In this weeks episode Jono shares a little about how this podcast came about, how and why it began and some of the significant events and people who helped to make it happen. Enjoy!
In this weeks episode Jono looks at the daily discipline of spending time with God, whats often known as the Quiet time.
He shares some resources he has found helpful such as Bible reading notes, prayer materials , Apps, music and silence.
In this weeks episode Jono reflects on the life and witness of Queen Elizabeth ii who died on thursday past. He relects on the role of faith in her life and how it inspired her to live the life she lived.
In this weeks episode Jono thinks about sharing the faith with those who are searching for meaning or purpose in their lives.
He reflects on a documentary made by broadcaster Stephen Nolan who explored faith in a spiritual search of his own.
Jono also references some interesting stories about the difference faith has made in the lives of ordinary people in our congregation. You can check them out in episodes 3,5,1526,40,42 and a bonus episode.
in this episode Jono looks at the other modern pandemic the experience of loneliness. He shares some experiences of loneliness in his own life and how the church is uniquely positioned or placed to make a meaningful difference.
In this weeks episode Jono reflects on a conference he attended where leaders from the global church were reflecting on the 5 marks of mission - To tell, to teach, to tend to transform and to treasure. It was humbling to hear from leaders in Burundi about the impact of climate change, from South sudan about looking after a traumatised community and from Chile about the transformation coming about through every person in a church community seeking to live out their discipleship in their everyday lives.
In this episode Jono speaks to Gill Kenny who shares her experience of alcohol dependency and something of her journey to sobriety. Gill speaks of her own spiritual life in this episode.
In this episode Jono reflects on a love story of 2 friends of his from Germany and how they were brought together and how jesus breaks down the walls that divide us if we allow him to.
In this weeks episode Jono shares how the words of a song touched his soul at a difficult moment and reflects on the power of all kinds of music to do just that. He speaks in particular of an artist called Lauren Daigle and her album look up child and the single you Say.
In this weeks episode Jono thinks about the likely model going forward of a mixture of in person events and recorded events and how this hybrid model might be a gift to the church.
In this episode Jono takes a look at a character from the Bible- a man called Joseph whose story appears in Genesis chapters 37-50. Jono looks at what he can teach us about seeing God's hand or God's purposes at work in our lives even in difficult circumstances.
In this episode Jono shares his experience of visiting a church from a tradition different to his own, and the beauty and value and enrichment to be gained from such an experience.
In this episode Jono thinks about the Feast of Pentecost, tries to explain what it is and its significance for the church as it celebrates the amazing gift of God's Holy Spirit to us and the difference receiving that gift can make to us.
In this weeks episode Jono gets the chance to share an inspiring conversation with a man called Rod Maxwell. Rod shares his story of growing up in Northern Ireland during the troubles, the influence of his late father and the importance of character and integrity. He shares some ideas about how the church might reach out to those who are disconnected and also about the event that changed his life a few years ago. I hope you enjoy the conversation as much as i did.
In this weeks episode Jono thinks of the challenge of passing on the baton of faith to the next generation. Its not an easy task but one that is so important and worthwhile.
In this the last of a series of 4 episodes Jono invites a friend of his Dr. Stephen Rodgers to speak about the cross in 4 reflections. He focusses his thoughts on the healing power of the cross and in this the last of these 4 episodes he speaks of how love and the cross changes everything. You might find it useful to listen to episodes 60, 61 and 62 to set this one in context.
In this , the third of 4 episodes about the healing power of the Cross Jono invites a pastor and GP DR. Stephen Rodgers to speak about the healing power of the Cross and today he shares about the benefits of the cross. If you havent listened to episodes 60 and 61 you may find them helpful to place this episode in context.
In this Episode Jono invites a GP and pastor Dr.Stephen Rodgers to continue to share about the healing power of the Cross.
In this series of 4 episodes Jono invites a pastor and medical Doctor, Dr.Stephen Rodgers to unpack why the Cross of Jesus is so central to Christianity and to look at its power to heal and set us free. In the first of these episodes Stephen talks about the richness of the Cross and how Jesus crucified gives us hope that there can be healing in every area of life. There's also an invitation to join a course exploring the purpose of life and the teachings of the Christian faith online called the Alpha course. If you're interested email jono at zoomtostfinnian@btconnect.com and he will send you a weekly zoom link and a video to watch each wednesday evening at 8pm.
In this weeks episode the tables are turned on Jono as He shares a conversation he had with a broadcaster called Rod Maxwell. Rod broadcasts on RadioAlty.co.uk a local radio station just outside Manchester.
They shared a pilgrimage walk together and Rod spoke to Jono about the role of the church in society, how outreach has changed over the years and St.Patrick and his legacy to the people of Ireland.
In this weeks episode Jono uses a meditation from one of His favourite Spiritual writers, Henri Nouwen, to reflect on the hope the Cross of Jesus offers to suffering humanity.
In this weeks Episode Jono thinks about the idea of pilgrimage based on the pilgrimage made by a terminally ill journalist to the top of Ireland's holiest mountain Croagh Patrick in Co.Mayo and his own experiences of pilgrimage.
In this weeks episode Jono reflects on the importance of friendship sharing about some special friends in his own life and thinking of how Jesus invested in friendship.
In this weeks episode Jono looks at the idea of God being an artist and creating magnificent masterpieces through the lives of those who are yielded to Him.
In the life of faith we all have questions. Using the example of his children's teachers Jono looks at the importance of asking important questions of others and ourselves in order to keep deepening our Spiritual lives.
In this weeks episode as Jono reflects on moving out of restrictions after the pandemic and the escalating crisis in Ukraine he reflects on what it might mean to move from fear to faith and where that might come from.
In this episode Jono shares some communication from a couple working in the Ukraine serving the church there and encourages us to pray using some prayers prepared by 24-7 prayer an international prayer movement.
In this weeks episode Jono reflects on the recent upsurge in Spiritual searching and offers some thoughts on how that search can result in true inner peace when channelled in the right direction.
In this weeks episode Jono interviews his former colleague colin about his journey to ordination and his participation in a fundraising challenge called the Bishops big bike ride
In this episode Jono thinks about the importance of generosity in leadership and a sense of perspective as He uses a passage from the Bible to think about rebuilding after the pandemic.
In this episode Jono looks at the phrase 'being comfortable in our own skin'. He looks at some of the scandals that have befallen the church and individuals he greatly admires in the past few years and how as Christians we might respond to these.
In this weeks episode Jono reflects on the horrific murder of Ashling Murphy and how this event has impacted him as a man of faith. What sorts of values does he want to sow into his own life and that of his son. How might the Bible shape those values?
In this episode Jono reflects on an experience in Poland that helps him to keep going in difficult times and challenges us to discover ways we might help each other to keep going through the tough times.
One of the biggest challenges of living a life of faith is moving things from our head to our heart. In this weeks episode as Jono reflects on the challenges of the Omicron variant and looks back to seasons of lockdown in 2020 he speaks of the importance of allowing faith to move from our head to our heart.
In this weeks episode Jono looks back on 2021 using an ancient spiritual practice called The Examen. Maybe you would like to try this process as you look back on the past year in your own life. It involves remembering, lamenting, repenting and celebrating and giving thanks. Why not give it a go?!
In this weeks episode Jono reflects on the uncertainty of the times we are going through with the latest surge of the Corona Virus, The Omicron variant. He thinks about Mary the Mother of our Lord and takes some lessons from how she dealt with uncertainty.
In this weeks episode Jono shares an interview with an inspiring lady called Dorothy Callan who shares her experience of going blind as a young girl, Some of the challenges she faced and the difference her faith has made to her life.
In this weeks episode Jono Shares a conversation with an Evangelist called Mitch.
He gets to hear why Mitch left a career in the Fire service to dedicate his life to telling others the Good News about Jesus and His love for them. He also shares how if people are curious they can take that step today and begin to live a life with God at the centre of it. It just might be what you need to hear today.
In this weeks episode Jono shares an interview with an inspiring young woman called Melanie Grimsley. Melanie suffered serious injuries in a car fire that claimed the life of her sister in 1988 when she was just 2. In this conversation Melanie shares in a very honest way some of the struggles she has had and yet how her hope is found in God. Its an inspiring conversation - Enjoy and share
In this episode Jono thinks about the season of Advent , a season of anticipation and hope as Christians prepare for the birth of Jesus. Sometimes in the busyness of life we lose sight of the importance of this time.
In this episode Jono reflects back on a year of pandemic and shares some of the highs and lows from the experiences of his church context.
In this weeks episode Jono looks at the season of remembrance and how challenging that can be in churches and communities of faith. He shares a story that impacted him deeply and reminds us of how important it is to look after each others mental health.
In this episode Jono think a bit more about the important subject of repentance using a famous story Jesus told about a wayward son and a forgiving father and a painting about that story by Rembrandt
Are you reading anything good? Last week was national book week in Northern Ireland and to mark this week Jono shares some of the things he is reading at the present time and he takes a look at the worlds bestselling book for many years now - The Bible.
In this weeks episode Jono looks at a challenging subject for Christians the topic of repentance or turning our lives around to say sorry to God
In this weeks episode Jono looks at an inspiring autobiography to think about the steps of faith people might like to take
In this episode jono looks at how we might praise God when we can’t sing as he reflects back on the challenges of the pandemic
In this weeks episode Jono discusses a podcast that has had a big impact on him over these past 18 months called Life interrupted about when life confronts us with unexpected and difficult things. While life can be interrupted with difficult things there is also the possibility Jono considers that it can be interrupted for good.
In this weeks episode Jono shares some thoughts from his practical experiences in ministry of how good it is when churhes work together and the difference it can make for God's kingdom and in helping people to feel less isolated.
As students return to school and university in this weeks episode jono pays tribute to teachers and the impact they have had on his life and his family's lives and acknowledges the greatest teacher of all Jesus of Nazareth.
Do you find it hard to make choices? Are you afraid of getting it wrong? In this weeks episode Jono looks at some ancient wisdom from the book of jeremiah that helps us to make good choices.
In this episode Jono shares an inspiring interview with a young woman called Rebekah who did the alpha course online and became a leader of one of the courses we ran in St.Finnians. She shares about how faith became important to her and the difference it makes to her life and her desire to share faith with other even when the church is persecuted. Its a remarkable story.
In this weeks episode Jono looks back at a year and half of a global pandemic and draws some inspiration from the remarkable efforts of the late Colonel Tom Moore. He asks the question if Christians are called to have a particular influence on society at this time?
In this episode Jono looks at the struggles many of us have with praying and uses some insights from an early Christian leader called St.Paul to share some helpful insights on praying in a meaningful way.
In this episode Jono tries to look at what the christian faith might have to say about achieving a better work/life balance.
In this weeks episode Jono looks at a story from the Bible to explore how as followers of Jesus we are called to look at the world differently and see things from God's perspective. This story is about how a man called David is chosen to be king of Israel.
In this episode Jono Speaks of the power of the Holy Spirit to shine alight in our lives on those things that need to be corrected and How He gives us the courage to respond and act to that.
In this weeks episode Jono shares a life changing experience from his school days when something unexpected happened and he was affirmed by a sports coach in a memorable way.
In this episode Jono thinks of the importance of shining a light on difficult subjects. He thinks about mental health and the way people of faith are making a difference to expose some of the evils of the world and offer hope and community with experiences shared from a trip to Cambodia with Tearfund and The Church of Ireland Bishops Appeal
In this episode Jono uses some lessons from a Tv show called Operation Transformation to think about spiritual transformation, an idea at the heart of the Christian Faith.
In this episode Jono shares some insights about the work of The Holy Spirit given to him through his relationship with his children!
In this episode Jono looks at the experience known as revival when God's power falls on an individual or community and the difference it can make. He looks at the impact of revival in Ulster and how it continues to influence people today and the early experience of God's Spirit falling on the early church in Acts chapter 2.
In this episode Jono interviews the inspiring Barbara Carlisle. She shares how faith has made a difference in her life through some difficult experiences, in her workplace, and formed her into the person she is today.
In this episode as Jono looks at those qualities we should see in people's lives when Jesus comes to dwell within them through his Holy Spirit, this week he looks at the final quality we find in Galatians chapter 5 the quality of self control. Can Jesus help us to manage those urges within us that can lead us in destructive or harmful directions?
As Jono Continues to look at the fruits we should see in people's lives as God comes to live inside them through His Holy Spirit this week he looks at the fruit of gentleness. Can this gentleness have a strength or steely quality to it?
In this episode as Jono continues to reflect on the qualities we find in people's lives when Jesus dwells within through his Holy spirit he looks at the quality of faithfulness.
In this episode as Jono continues to look at the qualities we should find as Jesus dwells within a human heart through His Spirit this week we look at goodness.
In this episode as Jono explores those characteristics that should enter our lives as Jesus dwells within us this week he looks at kindness.
In this episode Jono continues to look at qualities we can see in the lives of those Jesus dwells within and this week its patience.
In this episode Jono looks at the gift of peace which people should see as Jesus dwells within us
In this episode Jono continues to look at qualities that should emerge in our lives as Jesus comes to dwell within our hearts. This week he looks at Joy,a joy that goes beyond our circumstances.
How do we know God is working in our lives? In this episode Jono looks at the love God places within a human heart, the Jesus type of love that begins to transform and change people from the inside out. He shares a couple of powerful stories to try to show what this might look like.
Many of us struggle with anxiety and the Covid 19 pandemic has maybe heightened that sense within us as so many things seem uncertain. In this episode Jono shares an inspiring interview with a friend of his, Jonathan Johnston. Jonathan shares his story of anxiety and how faith made a real difference.
In this interview Jono speaks to Emma Magee who shares something of her journey of faith, the people who inspired and helped her and the positive impact of a course called the Alpha Course. If you'd like to do this course check out www.stfinnians.org for further details. It begins on wednesday 14th April 2021 at 8pm and runs for 11 weeks.
One of the emotions many people struggle with is anger. In this episode Jono looks at the subject of anger by exploring an occasion where Jesus got angry. Is there anything we can learn from this that might help us in our lives?
Many of us have heard people speak of the importance of looking after our physical and mental health during this most difficult year but what about our spiritual health?
In this episode Jono invites a friend of his, Gillian Stevenson, to share some helpful thoughts about looking after our spiritual health during this lockdown.
In this episode Jono looks at key moments maybe when we face big decisions or consider big questions. He uses a short bibile reading to think about one of life's big questions. Who is Jesus Christ?
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 encouragement and inspiration to you week by week and may it bring blessing to your life.