Tonight we shared in worship at 'The Cave' in Ascot Vale. Although late for the meal that precedes worship we were warmly welcomed, and efforts were made to make sure we had something to eat. Time was made for coffee and a brief chat before worship commenced.
Somewhat different to the style of worship we have been accustomed to it was refreshing to share in the open fellowship of this group. People present came from a variety of backgrounds, and many shared freely in prayer, in responding to the Word, and in a time of confession.
Perhaps because it was not a large group the sense of community was very real, and the care and involvement in the lives of others was evident. One theme that was evident was the 'open table' - and the mid-week activities of the community reflect that openness. Anyone is welcome to share in community meals, in social activities, and to participate and contribute to worship.
It was good to be able to share and to feel welcome even though we were strangers in their midst and just 'passing through'.
What did I enjoy? Apart from the participation the opening of the Word was both helpful and interesting. The message was based on Matthew 11:25-30 and everyone had a Bible, and all were invited to look closely at the text. While the focus was on verse 28-30 ("Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.") the whole text was considered and many were able to share their insights and grapple with what these verses mean for our community today, and and for us as individuals.
In grappling with this text those affected by the bush fires that have devastated parts of Victoria, especially areas surrounding Melbourne, were not forgotten. Beyond specific prayer for all involved a free translation of Psalm 23 reminded us all of the need for the Shepherd in these days.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Farewell Events
Only hours to go now before we head to Africa.While we are away Cheryl departs for six months study in China, so we shared with some of her friends as she updated them on her plans for this time. She plans to study for six months, improving her Mandarin so she can communicate more effectively in a land that she loves.
It was good to share with others who have been part of her journey, and ours as well.
Following the afternoon event we had a meal at one of Cheryl's favourite restaurants - one that makes 'real' Chinese dishes. A good night, a good meal
, and good to be with family and a few friends. The 'Black Fungus and egg dish' was great, and the noodles were huge.As always it was good to spend some time with family - probably the last time we will all be together until sometime in 2010. We are going to miss the 'normal' family interactions for the next few months at least.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Of Grass and Elephants
"When elephants fight, the grass suffers...
when elephants make love, the grass suffers."
Swahili proverb
In preparation for our visit to Africa I have been reading a couple of books about the continent, and some Wilbur Smith novels set in Africa. The above proverb was quoted by Giles Bolton ("Aid and Other Dirty Business" Random House 2008, 212). Giles Bolton worked for the British Department for International Development(DFID) and writes in an interesting and readable manner. He cites the proverb in a chapter on trade. You don't have to be a Rhodes scholar to figure which nations are elephants, and which are grass!
when elephants make love, the grass suffers."
Swahili proverb
In preparation for our visit to Africa I have been reading a couple of books about the continent, and some Wilbur Smith novels set in Africa. The above proverb was quoted by Giles Bolton ("Aid and Other Dirty Business" Random House 2008, 212). Giles Bolton worked for the British Department for International Development(DFID) and writes in an interesting and readable manner. He cites the proverb in a chapter on trade. You don't have to be a Rhodes scholar to figure which nations are elephants, and which are grass!
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Weekly worship 6
Melbourne 614
After being in Melbourne Central Division for the last six years we finally had the opportunity to attend a worship service at Melbourne 614. Having heard so much about the programs offered at 69 Bourke Street near the heart of Melbourne, it was good be be able to experience worship with the '614 family'.
While environments vary the one constant thus far has been music. A couple of guitar players and a drummer provided the music, which included Jack Hayford's "Majesty", "How great thou art", "How great is our God", "Someone cares", "Worthy is the Lord" and "Shout to the Lord". Beginning with "Majesty" helped set the tone and my thoughts were directed to "Jesus who died, now glorified, King of all kings." So often we 'cruise' along with the Jesus who walks with us, our friend and companion, but he is also God incarnate, who died because of our sins yet rose again. Jesus is God. In the presence of 'famous people' we may feel overawed (think of fans swooning over movie stars or pop idols) or a little uneasy given their public profile and notoriety - yet we Jesus (who was God "in the flesh" for granted and think of him as a "mate". Today it was good to be reminded of the greatness of majesty of God - and to take time to worship him as "Jesus who died, now glorifed, King of all kings".
Down-to- earth testimonies were a feature of the meeting, as was the offering up of written prayers (clearly a regular part of worship). People participated freely, and obviously feel 'at home' in that worshiping environment.
The message was about "What makes a great follower?". We were reminded that great leaders make great followers. Great followers are proactive (they consult, take responsibility and initiate) and accountable. Followers do shape the culture of their environment and we were encouraged to be a positive influence in the various environments where we live, study, work or enjoy leisure.
It was good to share with people from a wide range of backgrounds as we worshiped today in what was once the "Australasian headquarters" of The Salvation Army, and is now an oasis of hope in the Melbourne CBD.
After being in Melbourne Central Division for the last six years we finally had the opportunity to attend a worship service at Melbourne 614. Having heard so much about the programs offered at 69 Bourke Street near the heart of Melbourne, it was good be be able to experience worship with the '614 family'.
While environments vary the one constant thus far has been music. A couple of guitar players and a drummer provided the music, which included Jack Hayford's "Majesty", "How great thou art", "How great is our God", "Someone cares", "Worthy is the Lord" and "Shout to the Lord". Beginning with "Majesty" helped set the tone and my thoughts were directed to "Jesus who died, now glorified, King of all kings." So often we 'cruise' along with the Jesus who walks with us, our friend and companion, but he is also God incarnate, who died because of our sins yet rose again. Jesus is God. In the presence of 'famous people' we may feel overawed (think of fans swooning over movie stars or pop idols) or a little uneasy given their public profile and notoriety - yet we Jesus (who was God "in the flesh" for granted and think of him as a "mate". Today it was good to be reminded of the greatness of majesty of God - and to take time to worship him as "Jesus who died, now glorifed, King of all kings".
Down-to- earth testimonies were a feature of the meeting, as was the offering up of written prayers (clearly a regular part of worship). People participated freely, and obviously feel 'at home' in that worshiping environment.
The message was about "What makes a great follower?". We were reminded that great leaders make great followers. Great followers are proactive (they consult, take responsibility and initiate) and accountable. Followers do shape the culture of their environment and we were encouraged to be a positive influence in the various environments where we live, study, work or enjoy leisure.
It was good to share with people from a wide range of backgrounds as we worshiped today in what was once the "Australasian headquarters" of The Salvation Army, and is now an oasis of hope in the Melbourne CBD.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Adventures in paradise 3
The week started with a walk around Granite Island with our nieces. No visit to Victor is complete unless you walk (or ride) across the causeway. Our last to the island was in June, for my brothers wedding. It was a lot warmer and much more informal this time.For many years The Salvation Army has had a campsite at Victor. My visits to the island date back to my early teens as
a camper, my early twenties as a leader, and not a few times as organiser of camps in the late 1980's. These days there are a few more stairs built in hazardous areas and the occasional safety fence, but the scenery and structures have changed little. The walk evoked a few memories, but observing and entertaining two active kids prevented too much reverie.The rest of the week has been spent in Geelong and Melbourne. A sweltering 40 degree heat has accompanied our visit as we took the time to tidy up some loose ends in preparation for our departure to Tanzania on February 9. Early morning walks along the Barwon River have been an enjoyable aspect of this stay.
I was delighted to attend Preston Rotary Club and pick up a cheque for Shukrani College . The funds will be used to help to replace a vehicle and to sponsor a student for a years study. The club has been fantastic in its support and I have enjoyed participating in the club,and hopefully making a worthwhile contribution along the way.
Apart from dealing with details there were also the parties to prepare for - a 30th birthday, a house warming, and the anniversary of my own birth.
The heat at times has been a bit much, but it has been a clear heat, and houses, cars and most business places are air conditioned. It's not so bad when you have power and can choose to do some work or watch tennis. My own birthday celebration, however, was a candlelight affair, as much of Geelong lost power for the evening. Still, with daylight extending close to 9.00pm we were not too inconvenienced, even if we missed our on watching the Nadal/Gervasco marathon semi-final, and then end of Australia's distastrous match-up against South Africa. (Memo to the Aussie selectors: it's time for new blood guys.)
Saturday was a 'pool party'. The weather cooperated, the water was about the right temperature, and a good time was had with friends and family. Thanks Ross for your choice of celebration venues and activities.
These have also been the days when I got my identity back - a replacement license, credit card, library card - and a new wallet to put them in. All I need now is some money -).
Friday, January 30, 2009
Born Again
One of the beneifts of the internet and the iPod phenomena is being able to tap in to infomation and people you otherwise would never hear. The Center for Excellence in Preaching offers a wide range of audio sermons on podcast.
Samuel Wells offers an interesting and challenging perspective on John 3:5 and Jesus exchange with Nicodemus.
Here's a quote:
"The most curious thing about this whole exchange is that a verse of John's gospel that contains enormous mystery, wonder, and to say the least, lack of clarity, has become arguably the single most important verse in the American church. I say that because around 40% of Americans describe themselves as 'born again Christians'.
The phrase 'born again' makes a lot of people, Christian and non-Christian alike, feel uncomfortable, I think for a number of reasons.
In the first place it's become associated in the last 30 years with a particular political agenda and a set of conservative stances on controversial social issues, such as abortion and gay marriage. It's hard to believe that these issues were at the front of Jesus' mind when he struck up a conversation with Nicodemus. But such issues seem to be in the minds of those who see being born again as becoming a potential member of a political block vote. My sense is that this view is at best a caricature, and most of those among us who describe themselves as born again have a somewhat broader perspective on social issues. But there's no doubt that it's a caricature with a wide circulation.
In the second place the term 'born again' seems to be used to create a hierarchy among Christians. In certain circles its not considered good enough to believe in Christ, to be actively involved in the church, to be seeking to grow in faith and practice discipleship by searching out and standing among the people and issues closest to God's heart. All these are looked down upon unless one can narrate a conversion experience that fulfils the description 'born again'. The results is that most of the Christians feel second rate because they now faith is a matter of God's grace and can't be manufactured and so they can't make themselves have a dramatic experience while God seems to have no interest in giving them one. Again this is an exaggerated picture, but there's enough truth in it to shape many Christians live significantly.
In the third place the experience of being born again seems to displace everything else that's important about Christianity. What matters is not who Jesus is, or how Jesus lived, but not how Christians relate to one another in the church or to the neighbour or the stranger in the world. All that matters is my personal experience on a specific day in the past and my certainty that this experience gives me a passport to heaven when I die. In other words Christianity stops being about Jesus and the church and the new world breaking in, and instead becomes all about me.
That's a brief summary of why the term born again is the elephant in the room whenever the church gathers to read John chapter 3."
Samuel Wells, "Born Again" A sermon on John 3, Center for Excellence in Preaching)
To listen to the whole sermon click here
Samuel Wells offers an interesting and challenging perspective on John 3:5 and Jesus exchange with Nicodemus.
Here's a quote:
"The most curious thing about this whole exchange is that a verse of John's gospel that contains enormous mystery, wonder, and to say the least, lack of clarity, has become arguably the single most important verse in the American church. I say that because around 40% of Americans describe themselves as 'born again Christians'.
The phrase 'born again' makes a lot of people, Christian and non-Christian alike, feel uncomfortable, I think for a number of reasons.
In the first place it's become associated in the last 30 years with a particular political agenda and a set of conservative stances on controversial social issues, such as abortion and gay marriage. It's hard to believe that these issues were at the front of Jesus' mind when he struck up a conversation with Nicodemus. But such issues seem to be in the minds of those who see being born again as becoming a potential member of a political block vote. My sense is that this view is at best a caricature, and most of those among us who describe themselves as born again have a somewhat broader perspective on social issues. But there's no doubt that it's a caricature with a wide circulation.
In the second place the term 'born again' seems to be used to create a hierarchy among Christians. In certain circles its not considered good enough to believe in Christ, to be actively involved in the church, to be seeking to grow in faith and practice discipleship by searching out and standing among the people and issues closest to God's heart. All these are looked down upon unless one can narrate a conversion experience that fulfils the description 'born again'. The results is that most of the Christians feel second rate because they now faith is a matter of God's grace and can't be manufactured and so they can't make themselves have a dramatic experience while God seems to have no interest in giving them one. Again this is an exaggerated picture, but there's enough truth in it to shape many Christians live significantly.
In the third place the experience of being born again seems to displace everything else that's important about Christianity. What matters is not who Jesus is, or how Jesus lived, but not how Christians relate to one another in the church or to the neighbour or the stranger in the world. All that matters is my personal experience on a specific day in the past and my certainty that this experience gives me a passport to heaven when I die. In other words Christianity stops being about Jesus and the church and the new world breaking in, and instead becomes all about me.
That's a brief summary of why the term born again is the elephant in the room whenever the church gathers to read John chapter 3."
Samuel Wells, "Born Again" A sermon on John 3, Center for Excellence in Preaching)
To listen to the whole sermon click here
Favourite quotes
From Karl Barth:
"There may be great lawyers, doctors, natural scientists, historians, and philosophers. But there are none other than little theologians..."
(Karl Barth "Evangelical Theology" Trs. Gover Foley, Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing 1979 , 77)
On other words, no matter how much we think we know about God, or about theology, we have only just begun to explore and understand.
So...keep exploring and keep learning.
"There may be great lawyers, doctors, natural scientists, historians, and philosophers. But there are none other than little theologians..."
(Karl Barth "Evangelical Theology" Trs. Gover Foley, Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing 1979 , 77)
On other words, no matter how much we think we know about God, or about theology, we have only just begun to explore and understand.
So...keep exploring and keep learning.
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