Let's Keep Faith on the Big Screen!

Already 'Happy 2023!' feels outdated. What with work & life pressures, the headlines around us and the seemingly necessary need to rejuvenate ourselves: January isn’t always an easy month.
Like many, we’ve returned back from Christmas and gone into planning mode. It’s good to renew strategies, think big; with God nothing is impossible (Matthew 19:26) and map out those milestones for the months ahead.
Hands up, I like planning. I love lists. Perhaps like me, you've not only been busy with business plans but personal ones too? In fact, there can be many plans and many lists. Accompanying these, is that everyone else appears to have a plan for our plans. How do we handle all of that noise around us?
We can choose to tune into the intent of others to influence. Amplify it with our attention. Or do we? Don’t we have another conscious choice to listen through our faith? Romans 10:17 says, 'faith comes by hearing'. Isn’t there power when the Word of God is spoken? Be it through a sermon, podcast or declaring those verses. Amongst all the amplification surely that’s what we need to do?
Paul writes to Timothy, reminding him to 'fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you' (2 Timothy 1:6). The Greek word there for 'fan into flames' is anazōpurein which means rekindle. For me, this is an encouraging reminder that my faith will never extinguish but that I do need to wave that fan over the fire. From this, comes new sparks and brings back my focus onto Jesus.
This is where we lean into Him; reacquainting ourselves with the core of who we are in Him, and remembering that Jesus has the best words about those plans for us. That He cares. So whether we’re racing through those lists with aplomb, haven't written any or feel overwhelmed, let’s wave that fan & tune into His life-affirming words. Because then despite the impact & influence of others around us. We can trust - His plans are for our good & to give us hope.

Jocelyn-Anne Harvey, Christians in Media

Our friends at 'The Chosen' have been in touch about their series 3 finale. This is exciting news as premieres take place all over the UK starting: 2 February. From Bath to Bournemouth, Brighton to Bracknell and many more.

As you know, we want to see the life-affirming Gospel message of faith, hope and love increasingly reflected in the UK media. And 'The Chosen' being in UK cinemas is a fantastic example of this. A literal story about God’s story being shown on the screen. We want these opportunities to continue so our faith is represented via this medium.

Did you hear about US fans crashing the cinema booking website? So why can't we do that! Get together a group of friends. Make it a church event. And share, share, share. Tickets available here.

Are you a journalist or work in the secular media? Can we get some coverage about this story? Email: hello@kovapr.com

Dates for your Diary

Monday, 23 January, 2023: 7.30pm. Okay, we're sorry it's a bit short notice but Sats Solanki aka the Digital Rabbi is giving a live webinar where he'll share about eight essential layers for social media success. Whether you're a creative, business owner or church; this is for you.
29 January, 2023. Closing date for Sandford St Martin Awards that recognise the best UK broadcast content exploring or engaging with religious, ethical or spiritual themes across four categories. Find out more.
30 January, 2023. Closing date for Digital Harvest Church Grant Programme. They offer free social media & advertising training, along with an advertising grant. Would your church be interested? Click here.
Thursday, February 16: 12.15-1pm Online Lunchtime Prayer Meeting
‘I have never felt among Christians in the media before. It felt like coming home.’
Be encouraged like many others who join us together online. Next month we'll pray for Radio & Podcasters. Contributors include: Helen Price, UCB 1 Presenter, Chantelle Johnson, Premier Gospel Praise Producer & Mentoring Programme alumni, and Bob Chambers, CEO Feba Radio. Book your place! ??
Saturday, June 10: Re-think Work conference. We're part of the planning team for this Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics (OCCA) organised event. We'll share more soon so you can join this exciting opportunity.

Shout-Out

?? Tobi Rachel Akingbade, one of our trustees has recently moved to BuzzFeed UK as their Manager, Publishing. Congratulations, Tobi Rachel!

?? Dr Krish Kandiah received an OBE in the New Years Honours List for his work with refugees & child welfare. Sanctuary Foundation, a charity he created provides vital support to Ukrainian people. Dr Krish spoke at our Annual Service & we're delighted for him.

?? Revd Matt Hogg & the Stronger Conference team delivered an awesome week of over 70 online speakers. We were privileged to partner with them. Another trustee, Josie Gamble shared her entrepreneurial tips & spoke about the Christian Creative Directory. Watch out for Stronger 2024!

?? Thought-provoking Premier article from trustee & Theos Director, Chine McDonald.

??Sheridan Voysey's Friendship Lab survey. There have been years of preparation to design an evidence-based course to help us all form and deepen adult friendships. This short survey will help Friendship Lab meet your needs. Please complete & share.

***Job Alerts***

We're looking for a Freelance Finance Administrator. Does someone you know have the skills we need? Find out more about the role and how to apply.
Premier Radio is recruiting, positions include: Senior Daytime Producer & Media Sales Manager. More information here.
Jersey Road PR needs a PR Account Manager. Check out their website.
Could this be your media related vacancy? Email us: hello@christiansinmedia.co.uk

A prayer for this time

Let's come together before the Lord & speak these words written by Pierre Teilhard de Chardin:

Above all, trust in the slow work of God. We are quite naturally impatient in everything to reach the end without delay. We should like to skip the intermediate stages. We are impatient of being on the way to something unknown, something new. And yet it is the law of all progress that it is made by passing through some stages of instability – and that it may take a very long time.
And so, I think it is with you; your ideas mature gradually – let them grow, let them shape themselves, without undue haste. Don't try to force them on, as though you could be today what time (that is to say, grace and circumstances acting on your own good will) will make of you tomorrow.
Only God could say what this new spirit gradually forming within you will be. Give Our Lord the benefit of believing that his hand is leading you, and accept the anxiety of feeling yourself in suspense and incomplete.

'Looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.' Titus 2:13 NKJV

_{Posted: February 2023}