Fortnightly Round-Up July 1-14 #BigBible

Our #digidisciple(s) have continued to provide excellent content, and below, we’ll attempt to summarise by theme.

#BigBible

Andy Byers, our theological consultant, has added to his ‘Blogology’ series: how do we engage (theologically) with the blog as a media genre, and the blog as offering space to non-ordained voices Jenni Osborne encouraged us in our efforts to ‘make the way straight for the Lord’, something which I found echoes of in Ernie Feasey’s call to retain & build churches within the community. Tony Whittaker directed us to photos depicting Biblical scenes, which can be used widely, and Bex Lewis reviewed a film about the writing of the King James Bible - essentially a biography of James and his impact upon the translation. Nancy Wallace continued her great series on ‘Women in the Bible’ looking at the woman with a haermorrage, who reached out to Jesus, encouraging us to do the same.

#BigRead12

We continue with plans for #BigRead12at advent, on the theme of “waiting”. We’ll be seeking 25 different voices to put forward different theologies of ‘waiting’, e.g. waiting for food, waiting for wellness, waiting for God’s hand to become evidence, or – as it’s very much on my mind today – waiting for a house offer to be accepted. We also continue discussions with SPCK re #bigread13.

#DigiDisciple

Welcome to Craig Philbrick who did his first post for Big Bible, in which he idenfied how the social media space gives the opportunity to inspire (others) to fight for justice in a way that we’ve never had before, whilst we are also introduced to Rector Chick. Congratulations to Emma Major on her ‘Brilliance in Blogging’ award, which gave her the opportunity to discuss her faith with many. Richard Littledale demonstrated that the world would much rather have insight into what the church (us) is discussing, rather than what it has already decided, something that Nick Morgan picks up on: “by opening our ears to different voices and to reading the actual Bible itself  to check it says what we think it does”

Jacks Davie gave us an insight into the value of online community, including online church. Muriel Sowden demonstrated the evidence of this  - where the technology allowed those not physcially present at theMethodist Conference to be part of the discussions. Pam Smith was encouraged, and encourages us, to not see writing in the online space as a competiton, but that if you have something worth saying, you should say it.  Lucy Mills asks how we can use the technology to help our concentration, rather than hinder it, something that Bryony Taylor demonstrated in her suggestions for the use of YouVersion, and Megan Gray highlighted in her post encouraging us to use all media, but also to take time to retreat from the digital sphere. Dave Roberts interviewed a church member about to head off to Botswana.

#DigiLit

We need to build up more case studies of churches using social media well, and how it has changed/improved practice (or be aware if it has damaged other practices), but we’ve a great post from Jonathan Blundell on ensuring that your content is accessible to the widest range of visitors.

Bex’s Move

Thanks to Pete for this post, and your continued prayers appreciated as I seek to finish my work well at the University of Winchester, that I will keep on top of the Big Bible Project as I prepare to buy a house in Durham, and prepare for the move in September. We truly appreciate The Jerusalem Trust for funding The Big Bible Project.