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January/February 2024 issue highlights from Pam

New year, new start! Welcome to our first issue of 2024. We’re delighted to bring you plenty of fresh resources and ideas for Epiphany and the start of Lent.

In response to subscribers’ desire to increase biblical literacy among their groups and congregations, we’ve chosen to delve into some of the Old Testament stories and characters – we hope you will relish the chance to shed new light on these timeless passages with your group(s). Please see Our journey through the lectionary in 2024 for more details.

See also Scripture in context: God is in your neighbourhood for Simon Jones’ reflections on some of our chosen themes for this issue.

As you look to the year ahead, we pray that you will find plenty to refresh and inspire you in this issue:

Is God calling your church to set up a ministry for young people?
Chris Curtis shares tips about how to start from scratch.

Don’t miss the new drama Not forgotten to accompany 4 February’s theme.

Have a look at our new resources for Candlemas.

And if you’re looking for resources for Racial Justice Sunday (11 February),
do see our latest Discovering God: God and racial justice

When we spotted that Valentine’s Day and Ash Wednesday coincide this year, a new seasonal resource was born – Love & Pancakes. This novel session plan provides fun ways for your children and young people to consider what a loving Lent might mean. It would particularly suit an afterschool group, and could be used for an outreach event.

Finally, the Roots team are delighted to welcome our new Adult & All Age Editor, Tracey Messenger, who joined very recently and brings a wealth of experience and much enthusiasm to the role.

With every blessing for 2024,