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.

On 11 July, 1963 South African police raided a farm near Johannesburg and arrested 10 men. After 90 days of seclusion from their families and from any legal advice they were charged with conspiracy to commit acts of sabotage and terrorism.

Christian surfers are carving a place for themselves in Manly's surf-dominated community.

The next generation of leaders are following in their fathers' footsteps as they launch the first ever Young Christians One Day Conference 08 this Saturday.