As the opening of the Olympic Games on 8 August approaches, world attention is on China, and this attention is persistently on issues other than sport. Human rights abuses and environmental concerns are top of the list. All of this begs the question: should Christians be more active on these moral issues?

The United Kingdom's Back to Church Sunday program is based on a solid statistical insights into why people lose contact with church. It's positive results suggest it may be a welcome tool in the shed for congregations keen to connect in '09.

The hard facts prove that aspects of current Sydney Anglican ministry practices are off target. Zac Veron argues that rethinking local ministry aimed at children, youth and young adults should be a key focus of Connect09.

Springwood Anglican Church has become the first parish in Sydney to launch a "Street Champions" scheme - a key 'grassroots ministry initiative for Connect09. The concept is modelled on the Church Armys "adopt-a-block" program, and the Rev Andrew Nixon, executive director of Connect09, says it will operate as an informal and low-key form of neighbourhood chaplaincy. Could this 'spiritual neighbourhood watch' strategy help your church to connect with your local community?

Objections to the Christian faith come from many quarters. One of the most damaging is the wall between Jesus and Paul erected by much biblical scholarship.

With so many difficulties before us, is it actually worth attempting to unite to undertake a new mission initiative of this magnitude? Surely the question can reasonably be asked: "Why do Connect09?"

We asked Beth Howe about her fears after signing up to become a Street Champion - praying, visiting and caring for 20 of her Springwood neighbours"¦

Mothers Day may be on the horizon, but today, several Sydney mums will have their minds set on praying for the diocese.