The Gospel shows up in Springfield and at Hogwarts

Here in the blogosphere, we like to ride the waves of popular culture. Never one to miss a Big Thing, I hereby post notice of two new resources from the Church of England. (Who said they were stodgy back in the Mother Country?)

First, there's Pottermania:

A new resource guide published today by the Church of England suggests youth leaders should use the popular Harry Potter series of books and films as a launch pad for exploring Christian themes within church youth groups or Sunday schools. The first six of J K Rowling’s Harry Potter books have sold more than 325 million copies in 200 countries. On the eve of the launch of the seventh book in the series, the resource – published by Church House Publishing - enables youth leaders to use extracts from the books and films to draw parallels with daily life and help young people discuss ‘big issues’.

Second, I present something fresh from Springfield:

The exploits of Bart, Lisa, Maggie, Marge and Homer Simpson - alongside the other animated residents of Springfield - are being used to encourage children to reflect on the big issues in life in a new book from the Church of England. On the eve of the launch of the Simpsons’ first feature film, Mixing it up with The Simpsons suggests screening extracts from episodes of the hit show to invigorate church youth group programmes, as part of a new series providing contemporary material for youth workers to use in mid-week groups or ‘Sunday School’ settings.

You can learn more by clicking the links are reading the relevant news articles. This reminds me, the Church of England news feed is something worth keeping an eye on. Some good stuff shows up there now and again.