McLeod's musings

Back to business

2012-01-23T16:36:00.000-08:00

Christmas come and gone. Holidays come and gone: back to business. This little blog is primarily, but not exclusively, dedicated to tracking the life of 'connecT', our experiment in 'emerging church' life. 'connecT' will have its 3rd birthday this year (more will be said closer to the time). So, there is something to celebrate, I think.

Some people ask what is 'connecT' and what do we do and, more importantly for them, will they like it. 'connecT' started as an experiment trying to draw on insights from the 'emerging church/fresh expressions movement'. We discovered along the way, I think, that we are some of that, but not all of it. However, most 'emerging churches' don't see themselves simply as a franchise any way. We have grown and formed our own identity and have our own way of doing things, which is a sign that we are maturing. So, who are we?

We are congregation of about 30 representing a full range of ages and theological viewpoints.

We are people from a variety of denominational backgrounds. Some would describe themselves as post-denominational, but, obviously, bring some of their denominational experiences and expectations with them. However, we do regard ourselves as a congregation of St. Jude's Anglican Church, Brighton.

We are an inclusive church. Leadership is shared by a team. We try to encourage full participation in our worship. Sermons, if we have them, almost always include a chance for 'round table' discussion. We try hard to foster a safe environment where everybody can share their thoughts.

We try to draw on the whole Christian tradition, so it is not unusual for us to use 'stations' for private meditation or have times of silence and reflection. We use music in variety of ways through singing, reflection and prayer. We like to think we are imaginative and creative, and so, at times, we don't quite get it right, but we are also, importantly, in the light of this, a community of grace and forgiveness.

We celebrate the Eucharist (standing or sitting around the altar) together on the
1st Sunday of the month.

We like to eat together! A meal always follows the worship @ about 6.30pm, and, when we can afford it, we have some wine too.

So, if this sounds like it might be your thing (it won't be for everyone!) come and join us on Sunday evenings @ 5.30pm @ St. Jude's Anglican Church, 444 Brighton Rd, Brighton, South Australia.

Signs

2011-09-27T22:01:00.001-07:00

The series looking at the signs in John at 'connecT' has come to an end. The discussion around signs was helpful and the conversation stimulating, as per usual. A 'connecT' we try to use a 'round table approach' using conversation and mutual learning. The result is that no one stands out as an expert dominating the conversation, but those who may have trained insights share their experience with others, seeking to learn as well as to share. And so it was with 'signs'; I learnt much.

A sign points away from itself to something else. The one thing I did learn at theological college. So too the signs in John, pointing away from themselves to a greater reality. Miracles, understood in a certain way, can be an end in themselves. Signs point to Jesus and God's reign breaking into the world. Signs have an incompleteness to them. The wine will run out eventually, those who are healed may get sick again, those who are fed will get hungry, those who walk on water will touch the shore, the blind man's sight will diminish with age, Lazarus will die again and will have to wait with the rest of us until the resurrection at the end of time.

The church, too, is such a sign pointing away from itself to the reign of God. Lessons from John, as always, getting deeper and deeper, but never ending.

Chris

Sight - Part 2

2011-09-26T16:58:00.000-07:00

Paul raised a tricky question. Why Jesus mentioned sin in the healing of the paralytic and didn't with the man born blind (See Sight # 1)? We had a really helpful discussion around this issue at 'connecT'. An answer, perhaps; some illnesses are a consequence of sin, others are not. Just a reminder that we can't universalise everything Jesus said and did: individual and communal contexts are part of the narrative, as well.

Chris

Life

2011-09-22T21:26:00.000-07:00

A number of years ago I watched the film 'shall we dance'. It is about a character, played by Richard Gere, whose life had lost its spark and so, on a whim, he takes dancing lessons. J.Lo is the exotic dance instructor with whom you expect him to, eventually, as these films go, have an affair. The twist of the film, and a pleasant one too, is that he uses his new found dancing skills to romance his wife, Susan Sarandon, and re-kindle the flame in their relationship. It is what I might call a resurrection moment: out of a death, new life begins.

This week, at 'connecT', we are looking at the last sign in John, 'the raising of Lazarus' (11: 1-44). A moving story, Jesus weeps, his friend is dead, but he calls him back to life. Resurrection is something we expect at the end of time, but in the midst of life we can, if we have a our faith (sight) eyes open, catch these resurrection moments. Dead faith to a living 'fresh expression'. Tired relationships breathed with new life. Moving out of depression into hope. All small glimpses of what Jesus means by 'I am the resurrection and the life' (John 11: 25).

Chris

Sight

2011-09-15T20:05:00.000-07:00

This week at 'connecT' we are looking at the 'sign', in John, of the 'man born blind' (John 9: 1 - 12). Whose fault is it, the disciples ask Jesus? a not uncommon thought, even in these contemporary and, supposedly, enlightened times. Why does my child have a disability? Did I do something wrong at pregnancy, a mother may ask? Why does my son not do well at school? What did I do to make my daughter the way she is? Sigmund Freud did not help by pointing to a child's upbringing as the root cause for most psychological disorders and phobias. Who is to blame,'this man or his parents' is a fairly common and widely accepted response.Neither, is Jesus' unexpected answer; 'but so the works of God might be made manifest' (9: 3).

What are the consequences for our world - my world- I wonder? We should always acknowledge the wrongs of the past, I would argue: the holocaust, the forced separation of Aboriginal children of mixed descent from their parents (the stolen generation), are but two examples. However, the past is the past; to be remembered, lest we repeat it, but forgiveness offered and new sight given.

The man born blind sees for the very first time, but those caught in the past, and who justify it, cannot see (9: 40). How do my blind spots keep me from seeing God working? How does the Church stop people from seeing? Where do we see Jesus' light shining? What do you think?

Chris

Water

2011-09-07T21:43:00.001-07:00

Just last night I was watching 'myth busters' with my son, and the myth they were trying to bust was 'walking on water' -well, running actually. Apparently, there was 'you-tube' footage of a some people doing it. The 'myth-busters' tried, but concluded it can't be done. They also concluded that the 'you-tube water runners' must have had something just submerged under the water that they ran on. The footage certainly looked like that, because they all fell in to the water after running a certain distance. It is unteresting, though, that Jesus' 'sign' still gathers attention.

At 'connecT' we have been looking at the signs in John, including the one where Jesus walks - not runs - on water. (Jn: 6: 16 - 25). I personally have long given up - never really held these views in the first place, I must admit - thinking that Jesus was walking on a sandbank, had ancient water skis, special shoes, flippers, carried by fish, the apostles had a collective fear induced vision, ate magic mushrooms, whatever, whatever...They sound as unbelievable as walking on water to me. No, I am happy to take the sign at face value.

Also, I don't expect to walk on water any time soon, but I do know that during times of rough seas Jesus comes to me and I sense a calm. Sometimes Jesus comes to me in worship and prayer; other times, and quite often, through other people. Looking at water itself, especially the sea, reminds of Jesus' calming presence and the amazingness of God's creation. Signs all pointing to the reign of God in our midst. What signs work for you, I wonder?

Chris

Labels

2011-08-04T22:31:00.000-07:00

One thing my own denomination is really good at is labelling people. We are very quick to label people liberal, if they seem a little hazy on the essentials, fundamentalists, if they seem too sure, catholics, if they like liturgy, evangelicals, if they mention the bible. All of this seems to me to be a desire to box people in and set up walls of exclusiveness. Also, admittedly, I don't like to be labelled, but do like to be a bit of a free spirit, which means I must be a charismatic! So to my disappointment I find labelling going on in the 'emerging' camp. 'Emergents', so the story goes, are followers of Brian McLaren and obviously closet liberals. 'Emergings', followers of Rob Bell and company. 'Fresh Expressions' are those who are in the main-line denominations but are planting new ministries to the un-churched (another label). All a bit of a shame, really.

Yet, on the other hand, some sense of shape is important to give us a sense of direction. It is the over association with a label that leads to a stunting of growth. It is good to know who you are, bad to be defined by others who want to keep you in a box.

At'connecT' we would probably label ourselves as 'emerging', but not in an exclusive sense. We are built on the foundations of the historic faith, but open to creativity and exploration; a community that seeks to serve and love. But, I guess, it doesn't matter what we label ourselves and where we fit in the ecclesiastical system. The bigger question; who does God see us to be?

Chris

A week of gifts - Anglican Indigenous Network

2011-05-31T22:18:00.000-07:00

Just last week I went to the 'Anglican Indigenous Network' meeting in Sydney. AIN is made up of Indigenous Anglicans who are minorities in their own land. There were representatives from Canada, USA, Australia, Aotearoa and Hawaii. I, with 5 others, were representing the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Anglican Council (NATSIAC - I have been a member, on and off, for 17 years, wow!). I have Aboriginal heritage given to me by my mother - a rich gift! The conference itself was a gift, and the gift that people gave were themselves. Stories abounded of suffering, disempowerment, struggle, racism, self-determination, peace, joy, love and forgiveness. It was deep Christian community, and the prayer was so heart-felt and rich.

It seems to me that indigenous church has been doing 'Fresh Expressions' and 'Emerging Church' for a long time now. They are;

. Culturally relevant
. Biblically faithful, but hermeneutically creative.
. Creative with the use of art and symbol.
. Focussed on the un-churched (missiological).
. Passionate about issues of justice (poverty & ecology)

Why has this passed by the attention of non-indigenous churches? Like in the time of Jesus those on the fringes often catch something the mainstream misses.

Chris

On the road to Emmaus

2011-05-04T20:03:00.000-07:00

Easter season is here and the go to text for me, and many others, is the 'road to Emmaus' (Luke 24: 13 - 35). It's all there; journeying, relationships, strangers, conversation, life's disappointments and surprises, death, life, meals, revelations, insights, presence and absence. I'm fairly convinced that Jesus journeys with us, but does not gate-crash our party, but slides up alongside our conversation to join in through teasing questions and gentle corrections. Don't our hearts burn with us as he speaks with us on the road? Jesus opens up within us the pondering and questions of our hearts and fills them with his presence, not to give us propositional certainty, but a relationship with him and others.

The Christian life is best described as a journey with Jesus. Do we ever come to an end to the conversation in this life? Does Emmaus road ever come to end? The two disciples, Cleopas and his (female?) partner make it to Emmaus only to return back to Jerusalem to be with others. The journey of resurrection faith needs to be shared with others. Only in shared experience and community can we celebrate the truth that 'he is risen'!

Happy Easter
Christ is risen!

Chris

A faith that works.

2011-03-17T18:04:00.000-07:00

Pinched the title from a book, but I can't remember who wrote it. At connecT we think it is important to engage in an honest way with the bible. We share this with other 'emerging' type churches. So, over the last month we looked at the Epistle of James, which is a long sermon(s) knocked up to look like a letter. What struck me, though, was how rich the material of James is. I have looked at it before, sure, but I hadn't quite grasped the obvious parallel it has with the 'sermon on the mount' in Matthew. The teachings of Jesus were taken by James and re-contextualized for the 'emerging' 1st century church. A lesson for us now, I would suggest.

What it said to me was that faith needs to be getting about doing things. Christianity can often be reduced to just chattering. Was it T.S. Eliot who talked about 'poor chattering Christianity'? James is a timely reminder that faith without works is dead (James 2: 26). For James, justice and care for poor and needy are at the heart of the Christian life.

Also, I liked the way James (2: 21 - 24) used the Abraham story in contrast to way Paul uses it (Romans 4 1- 17). An example of how there is no final interpretation of biblical text: very post-modern!

Chris

Christmas - A shared gift.

2010-12-14T14:49:00.000-08:00

This year we joined in with our local baptist church (Lighthouse Community Church) for carols. Some of our musos and our choir from the morning service joined in. We cancelled 'connecT' for the night and had church 'take away. It was good to sit back and enjoy the evening. There were carols and solos, skits and plays, sermon and testimonies, and good community. It was the 'Lighthouse's' gift to us and, hopefully, for some others who came to have a look.

The gift of ecumenism is that not all churches are alike. The service was different to both 'connecT' and our traditional morning services; but, why not? The gift of Jesus at Christmas reminds us of the gift of the other. God came into the world and was different to what most people expected. Jesus provoked and comforted, angered and healed, unsettled and accepted, lived and died and rose again. The gift of the Christmas Jesus is that paradox. God came to bring peace, and disturb our settled lives.

Chris

The Christmas Challenge

2010-12-09T18:59:00.000-08:00

Ah, blog-humbug. For months I couldn't sign in and then gave up trying, but I'm back!

Over the last few weeks at connecT we have been reflecting on Christmas and taking our time to unpack the depth of its message. Last week we explored the shadow side of Christmas based on the post-Christmas text of Simeon, Joseph, Mary and Jesus in the Temple - Luke 2: 22 - 35. The text that pierced my heart was; 'Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising of many in Israel and for a sign that is spoken against' (Vs 34). This verse was a blessing given by Simeon to Mary. Christmas blessings are often associated with material comfort and over indulgence, but a blessing like this - that doesn't sound very blessed - presents us with a challenge. The sweet babe is not what he first appears to be!

This verse reminds me of the challenge of Christmas. Most of us are not prepared to be challenged at Christmas; comfort is what we are looking for. But to be reminded that Jesus will demand something from us, and be divisive, just as we are called to be decisive, is the shadow side of Christmas. Jesus was, is and will be the cause of 'the rise and fall of many'. The baby grows up and lives to issue a challenge - 'come follow me'(Lk.5: 27). Is that too hard for most at Christmas, I wonder?

Chris

Preaching the Gospel

2010-09-20T18:04:00.000-07:00

Most Christians know the saying attributed to St Francis of Assisi - though probably apocryphal - 'preach the Gospel every moment and sometimes use words'. Good saying, even if he may not have said it. In recent years, certainly in my time, the church has shied away from talking about the gospel of God's love expressed through Jesus Christ and alive in the world through the Holy Spirit. This is partly due to the insensitivity of the church in the past and by some zealots in the present, but also because our 'secular' nation has become a little intolerant to things to do with faith.

I was reminded of this on Sunday night at 'connecT' as we listened to a Christian pastoral support worker speak about her ministry at a local school. There are many restrictions on what she can say, but there are no restrictions on her living the gospel daily as she spends time with students and staff showing something of God's love: this she does well.

This leads me to think about how we can learn new ways of 'walking the talk' without denying our central message. The 'emerging church' is leading the way in this, I think, as we seek to be creative, innovative and sensitive without denying the rich heritage and message of the Christian faith.

Chris

Church - Sunday only?

2010-08-25T18:43:00.000-07:00

Last week at 'connecT' we kicked around the idea of church gathering on any day, at any time. Some churches are gathering on Friday or Saturday nights; others during the week at lunchtime. Does church have to be on a Sunday? Some say yes; others, maybe not. If the basis of church is 'when 2 or 3 are gathered' does that have to be on Sunday morning. Did Jesus set a special time? I don't think so. With the society around us having moved to 24/7 activity, work and entertainment, it seems odd that the church keeps to a rural time frame from another era. But, on the other hand, with all this frenetic activity, is the concept of 'sabbath - 24 hours of rest, relaxation and worship' being lost. Who sets the agenda for 'sabbath' keeping, church (or synagogue, mosque, temple - depending upon your faith) or world? And what about community? How do we gather together as one church - albeit a bit factionalised anyway - when we gather separately in smaller more specialised groups? Is the church in danger of even more fragmentation. Good questions; no immediate answers. However, you might have some. What do you think?

The Church

2010-08-17T21:00:00.000-07:00

Over the last few weeks at 'connecT' we have been looking at what it means to be church and where the 'emergent church' fits into the discussion. Some in my tradition (Anglican) say it is not really church because it sits loose with denominational ties and clergy, and encourages strong lay leadership and decision making. Others find it a bit uncomfortable because it is seen to be loose with the christian tradition, scripture and liturgy. Others, like me, see it as a global expression of the search for a deeper ecclesial experience that is not stitched up over rules and regulations. By the way, I love the Anglican tradition, being a priest and working within denominational structures, but, at the same time, there is always room for a creative response to the Holy Spirit as it blows where it wills (Jn 3:8) and thinking about what the Spirit might be saying to the churches (Rev 2: 7).

But, what is church for you? 2 or 3 gathered, or more?

Chris

1 Thessalonians 4 - sex and respect.

2010-06-23T21:38:00.000-07:00

Paul's first letter ever! Well, that is what many scholars have said and it has provided good discussion at 'connecT'. We have looked at leadership in a collaborative setting and Paul's ability to communicate in such a way that he connected with people. And this week, 1 Thess. 4 - wait for it - we looked at sexual purity. A somewhat old fashioned subject I admit, but one that is not irrelevant.

What was suggested though is that sexual purity has less to do with Puritanism than respect. Sex is a good thing when used well; A good servant, but a poor master. Respect for others, ourselves, God were some of the suggestions that came up. Yet, that was not the end of it.

The second half of 1 thess. 4 has to do with respect between Christians. Perhaps, a greater challenge. Many Christians, myself included, take a dim view of those with whom we differ. The challenge from Paul hits home; simple really, respect.

Back to the Bible.

2010-06-09T19:10:00.000-07:00

At connecT, over the last few weeks, we have been thinking about the Bible. A couple of us reflected on the place of the Bible in our lives and the various ways we read it and reflect on its authority. 'Layers of meaning' seems to me to be an important way to consider the teaching of the Bible. This is not to say that the original authors, and pre-ceeding them the original orators, did not have a specific thought in mind, but to acknowledge that the Biblical text also has a life of its own. It is important to acknowledge what the original author had in mind, but we also need to allow for fresh illumination as we read the text. Also, the Biblical authors used individual stories differently to address their specific contexts. For example, John has the cleansing of the temple at the beginning of his gospel; the synoptics at the end. The same story used differently and for different effect.

The Bible is a great book that is new every morning allowing God's word to speak afresh in every context. At connecT we are looking at Paul's Thessalonian correspondence. Expect new insights!

Chris

connecT re-commits

2010-04-28T16:37:00.000-07:00

connecT is a little over a year old now, so we decided to have a congregation meeting to look at our life together. Small discussion groups are the backbone of our sharing time together at connecT, so we did that to discuss the agenda items. Some of the things we recommitted to:

* Learning together (but with the occasional sermon)- 'Round Table Church'
* Eating together with shared responsibility for providing food.
* Shared leadership including younger people.
* Eucharistic worship in the round.
* Diversity in music.
* Strengthening our welcome to visitors.
* Shared financial responsibility.

Given it is the Easter season it was an appropriate time to look back so we could move forward led, we believe, by the presence of the risen Christ.

'Then he led them out as far as Bethany, and, lifting up his hands he blessed them.'(Luke 24:50)

Lessons, meal and Eucharist

2010-04-06T17:41:00.000-07:00

There were so many things to enjoy over Holy Week and Easter. There were powerful and confronting stories of Jesus set to music, readings and sermon, but the highlight for me was the simple meal we had on Maundy Thursday. It was billed as 'Lessons, meal and Eucharist', and that is what it was. The lessons were taken from Luke 22, Jesus' last night before his crucifixion and the Eucharist shared at the tables at which we ate the Mediterranean inspired meal. At the tables we shared thoughts on the readings as well as talked about everyday things. There was something 1st century about it: simple Church with Jesus, meal and community.

Love & discipline

2010-03-10T19:35:00.000-08:00

No, this is not a post for sado-masochism, but a serious reflection, I hope, on the connection between our relationship with God and self-discipline. Many people associate the word discipline with kinky sex or with punishment, and therefore regard it, either, with little seriousness or negatively. But Shelley, at connecT last Sunday night, helped us to see that discipline can be a good thing, especially in our relationship with God. After all, isn't discipline at the heart of Jesus' time of fasting and prayer in the wilderness.

Fasting & prayer doesn't sit well with with our self-gratifying contemporary lifestyles, but the Christian tradition has always valued a time of self-denial & prayer as being crucial for Christian 'discipling'. Love & discipline do go together, as any lover will know. Loving another demands self-denial. No relationship will last if we always put ourselves and our needs first. Neither will it last if we look solely to our own self-pleasure. A relationship, to be healthy, needs sacrifice and self-denial. This is no less true - or perhaps, even more so - with our relationship with God. The focus is taken from ourselves to God and others.

'If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me' (Matt 16: 24)

Chris

Love & Eucharist

2010-03-01T17:02:00.000-08:00

For the lead up to Lent we have been exploring love. Recently, we did some thinking over the theme of 'Love & Eucharist' and how the two are inseparable. Some of our 'connecT' members were/are nurtured in other traditions than Anglicanism and so the reflection on the place of the 'Lord's Supper' was varied. Some held that the gathering together was the essential part of the celebration, others held that the eating and drinking of the body and blood of Christ was more important. Others still, suggested that there was no 'real presence' but it was a memorial meal. Others (including me) thought that Jesus was, indeed, present in the bread and wine and also in the community that celebrates. Old debates, aren't they? But what we all agreed about is that love is present when we gather together to celebrate the Eucharist. God's love for us, our attempts at love for God and each other.
Perhaps then, the debates about 'real presence' are superfluous because there isn't a time when God is absent: God fills all things. The Eucharist sharpens our minds to that fact.

Chris

Love

2010-02-03T19:11:00.000-08:00

Over the next couple of weeks at connecT we will be exploring the theme of love. We are gearing up for 'St. Valentine's Day', where we are exploring love in relationships. Last week we started with God's love for us; a good place to begin.

You don't have to be a psychologist to work out that children learn all about love from their parents. One of the first things a baby experiences is the loving voice and touch of their parents. In time that child, as an infant, will return that love with a kiss and a hug. In turn they will begin to kiss and hug others; siblings, grandparents and friends. The love once born in the parents begins to embrace a wider circle. Very much God's love, I think. Those of us who are disciples of Jesus, having experienced something of God's love, begin to share it with others, or at least that's how the theory goes.

But when you hear the talk of people like Pat Robertson and other 'hard-line' Christians it makes you wonder, doesn't it? How far do we really believe in a God of love? Is it just talk?

'This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you'
(John : 15:12)

Australia Day Thoughts

2010-01-26T19:40:00.000-08:00

I am back from leave, hence the little recent activity on this blog. 'connecT', however, has been continuing on in summer mode under the leadership of shelley and John. Last Sunday we gave some thought to this great country of ours - Australia. What does it mean to be Australian? Are we the lucky country and who are we lucky for? These questions were reflected on in the light of Matthew 25: 31 - 46; the parable of the sheep and the goats. My thoughts: I do feel lucky (blessed) to live in Australia. I have all I need; family, friends, freedom (religious and personal), responsible government (mostly), money, a good home, beautiful countryside and beach, and plenty more besides. What more could I ask for? I am very satisfied. But then I read about Haiti. Perhaps, the missing thing - responsibility!

'I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me'. (Matt: 25:35)

Christmas - an event for everyone!

2009-12-20T15:00:00.000-08:00

I was taken by a line in the message translation of the bible - 'an event for everyone'. Not part of the scripture though, it was a title for the response of the shepherds to the birth of Jesus (Luke 2:8 -20). It is obviously Eugene Peterson's - the author of 'the message' - interpretation of the Christmas story. The right one too, I think.

It is easy in christian circles to criticise all the 'secular' carol services going on in our communities. Not to mention, the santas, trees, elves and the Frank & Dino Christmas c.d's in the shopping malls. 'Put Christ back into Christmas' is a slogan we often use. But just maybe people are really looking for the Christ of Christmas but don't find him too readily in our christian communities. So the 'consumerist' one will have to do. But lets face it, don't we in the churches do exactly the same thing as we hope people will buy our product this year rather than the other church's across the road: and, yes, clergy will look at attendance figures to see whether sales are up or down this year.

As I look at people's faces as they sing carols at these 'secular' events - which I am now fond of doing - I see written on them joy, hope, peace, innocence and a longing for something mystical mixed in with the 'etchings' of life (pain, disappointment, suffering, loneliness, depression...) Christmas is for everyone because Jesus Christ is for everyone. This Christmas I'm dropping the slogans and seeking to meet people at the point of their searching. Maybe, on the other hand, the real slogan should be put Christ back into the christian churches!

Chris

Prepare the way of the Lord - Christmas

2009-11-30T14:43:00.000-08:00

At connecT we are spending two weeks with John the Baptist. We are pondering over Mark 1: 1 -8 and what this prophetic 'crazy dude' might have to say to us. Last Sunday we gave some thought to 'preparing the way of the Lord' this christmas and how we might do that as a community. Some thoughts that came up - prayer & christmas cards given out to our communities, singing carols in aged care facilities & hospitals, a lavish connecT christmas party with nativity and being a christian presence at the office christmas party, especially when we have a had few drinks and the gossip starts!

It was good to see the connecT group thinking of ways to be with our wider community this christmas. How do we prepare ourselves and others to experience Jesus this christmas? What do you think?

God with us - Immanuel.

2009-11-16T19:04:00.000-08:00

‘ For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace’ (Isaiah 9:18)

In advent we not only prepare for Christ's return - look busy!- but we, obviously, get ready for Christmas. Spending time with the prophets helps us to do that: these characters who reflected on God's activity in their midst and called others to catch a glimpse of their theocentric vision. God with us (Immanuel - Isa 7:14) is Isaiah's concern and he wants others to share it. Prophets pointed to God and in this sense the church follows their lead. Advent is a time for catching a glimpse of Jesus who is with us and yet, is still to come. As the Christmas trees go up it is our time to point to Jesus, the one behind it all. But more than that, it is timely to remind ourselves and others that God's reign will be accompanied by justice and mercy.

But how do we as the church engage the culture around us yet remain prophetic? How do we celebrate with others around the trees but remind them that more is at stake?

Chris

Mary - ignored, used and abused?

2009-11-09T16:32:00.000-08:00

Another person we will be spending some time in advent with is Mary, mother of Jesus. Mary is a highly - albeit, unintentionally - divisive woman. Ignored, largely, by protestants. One mention of Mary and most protestants run a mile. An odd response to the one who the Bible calls 'blessed'(Lk. 1:42).

Mary on the other hand is loved by catholics including anglican ones. But it seems to me that much of the catholic piety is just ridiculous(e.g the perpetual virginity of Mary). Mary just can't be a woman in her own right. She needs to be a submissive and virginal one, forever! Contemporary catholic Marian piety is often just a disguise for patriarchy. Many of the anglican - catholic clergy who will seek to be associated with Rome will tell you they honour Mary and perhaps even pray to her; yet they can't accept the ministry of women. No brainer...

Yet, at the same time, many find in Mary a model of a strong woman who listens and is obedient to God's call. Mary was given the ultimate responsibility and ministry of bringing God's 'word made flesh' into the world.

So where does Mary fit? How do we honour her without the nonsense?

Chris

'Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And why has this happened to me, that the mother of my Lord comes to me?' (Lk 1: 42).

He's back!

2009-11-03T14:46:00.000-08:00

Another Advent theme we will be exploring at connecT is the second coming of Jesus. This is a tough one, isn't it? It's part of the faith and so I accept it. But how long are we supposed to wait or have I missed something?

'Look! He is coming with the clouds; every eye will see him, even those who pierced him; and on his account all the tribes of the earth will wail' (Rev 1:7)

Chris

John the Baptist - crazy dude?

2009-11-01T14:45:00.000-08:00

At connecT we are having a 2 month advent. We thought it would be good to stay a little longer with the advent themes. One character who will be stretching our thought is John the Baptist. Now what can I say, one crazy dude (cf. Matt 3: 4) I have always imagined he looked a bit like Charles Manson with out the 'dark side'. But honestly, can we handle prophets like John? How many prophets have we really met, do they sit in our churches and sing quaint hymns and take their turn on the morning tea roster? How do we make sense of John - a crazy dude with something to say?

'You brood of vipers who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?' (Matt 3: 7)

Ruth - and the moral of the story is?

2009-10-28T15:37:00.000-07:00

It seems to me that there is a bit of a punch line to the story of Ruth in chapter 4, when we are told that Ruth gives birth to Obed, the grand-father of David. Is that the only reason Ruth is in the Bible? A bit of a prequel to the real story - David. But so much is lost isn't there to that simple masculine focus. I love the relationship between the women - Naomi, Orpah and Ruth (1:14); Orpah departed with a kiss but Ruth clung to Naomi. Naomi cares for her daughter in law like her own child and then nurses the infant Obed. The women of the neighbourhood join in giving the name to the child. A model of community, I think. A feminine gift to a masculine world.

Chris

Ruth and our own stories.

2009-10-20T20:05:00.000-07:00

At connecT we are looking at the story of Ruth. It is a simple sad but happy story. Ruth loses husband, follows Naomi, her mother in law to Naomi's country, finds a man and marries and lives happily ever after. Well that's the abridged version, any way. But what interests me is how God moves in the lives of simple and un-spectacular people. So often we think that God only chooses the heroes but in the lives of these two women we find God at work through the pain & loss, plans & plotting, encounters & commitments. It reminds me that God is involved at the grass roots of our lives. A reminder to me to take notice and see where God is involved in the contours of my mundane existence.

Where does God show up in your journey?

Chris

Papa is a Mama - The Shack

2009-09-24T16:46:00.000-07:00

One of the most contentious issues raised by the book, the Shack, is the way we image God. Some say it can't be done and, indeed, shouldn't be done. Others, and I think I would be one of them, would argue that the only way we can talk about God is in human language. Language is symbol and in talking about God, at all, we are already in the realm of image making. Others, take language literally, and when we talk of the first person of the Trinity as Father then we are saying that he is male. The book 'The Shack' doesn't take that line. The Father (Papa), as the story goes, is 'imaged' as an African-American woman. Hence, the controversy - not male, not white!

I would hold with the 'apophatic' tradition that God is mystery and that when we speak of Father, Son & Holy Spirit we are moving in the realm of symbol and analogy. Feminine images, therefore, are perfectly acceptable for God. Male & female, together, image God (Gen 1:27).

Is 'The Shack' right? Am I right?

Chris

P.S. Part 2 of 'The Shack', this Sunday night @ 5.30pm - God and suffering.

Back to Church Sunday - last grasp @ christendom?

2009-09-14T17:32:00.000-07:00

It was great to see some new people @ connecT exploring God with us. We hope you enjoyed what we are trying to do. Thanks to all the team!

But, was back to church Sunday a good thing? Was it a last grasp @ christendom? I'm mulling that one over a bit. It could have been, depends on how it was handled. We tried to be open, invitational & hospitable. We tried not to push church rules, regulations and 'religion'. We tried to speak about Jesus and do so in a way that made sense to the culture. We tried...

How did it go for you?

Chris

Back to Church Sunday

2009-09-09T16:38:00.000-07:00

At connecT, this Sunday, 13 September 5.30pm, we are keeping 'Back to Church Sunday'. The idea is to come back to church if you haven't been for a while or come for the first time if you have never been. We will keep it in the connecT flavour - informal, relevant, faithful; and followed by a meal. Hope you can make it. connecT meets @ St. Jude's Anglican Church, 444 Brighton Rd, Brighton, South Australia each Sunday @ 5.30pm.

Chris

Life in parables

2009-09-07T21:00:00.000-07:00

Now, what was that all about? So someone asked after I was trying to say something profound about parables. Er...what I was trying to say was that parables are best left a little open ended. A parable, like the 'good Samaritan', says something about the way we experience the reign of God and how we respond to it. Indeed, that parable finishes with a call to be like the 'good Samaritan'.

But, I no longer hold that a parable should only have one meaning as, seemed to be, suggested in some books and articles I read in the past. A parable - left open - invites us into the story. Who am I really - the priest, the levite, the victim or the good Samaritan or even just the inn keeper?

Parables get us involved and in turn help us to see that our lives can be parabolic -earthly, incarnational stories that speak of the surprising God among us.

Chris

P.S. Don't forget connecT looks at 'the Shack' (previous post)

connecT looks at the Shack

2009-08-21T02:44:00.000-07:00

During September 'connecT' looks at William P Young's, popular, book, 'The Shack'. 'connecT' meets every Sunday @ 5.30pm @ St. Jude's Church, 444 Brighton Rd, Brighton, South Australia. 'connecT' is an informal service committed to shared worship, dialogue and community. Our tag - relevant, informal, faithful.

Chris

Grumpy God Judge

2009-08-19T19:45:00.000-07:00

Last week at connecT we looked at the parable of the 'widow and the judge'(Luke 18). At first glance it looks like God is a grumpy old man who won't give us what we want until we annoy hm enough. That is until Shelley - one of our worship leaders - reminded us that the judge is an example of what God is not like. Makes sense, especially in the light of the other parables in Luke, like the 'prodigal son'.

But I wonder how many of us have a grumpy God judge? Christianity has often used that image to compel people to do what it wants or to convert by fear. It doesn't seem to fit with Jesus as God's 'human face' and square with his ministry with the outcast, sinful and poor.

The parable of the 'widow and the judge' reminds us of persistence in prayer. Working at it helps us to grow closer to Jesus and perhaps, learn more from him and to be like him. Its been about 30 years since I became a Christian and I'm still learning and growing, and loving it!. I'd like to think that's persistence with a gracious God not a grumpy judge. Maybe, persistence in prayer softens the grumpy God judge that seems to live in so many of us; and sometimes even in me!

Chris

What's in a name?

2009-08-03T20:44:00.000-07:00

Recently, I read of a dispute over names - emerging vs emergent. Apparently, there is a difference; but does the difference really matter all that much? My understanding of emergent(ing) movement is that we are trying to listen to, and respond, to what the Spirit is saying to the churches. We are keeping our ear to the ground, and to the wind, to get a sense of where God is moving in the world, and what our response should be. There is bound to be some difference of opinion in that!

For what its worth, I like 'emerging'. It reminds us that we are not quite there yet and never will be. The church is always on a journey and when, we think, we have arrived, it only means we are ready to 'pilgrim' again. Disputes over words and labels are not really that important. Apostle Paul had something to say about that. Which leads me to connecT.

This week we had a look at the conflict between Euodia and Syntyche in Philippian 4. Paul's love for both reminds us of our God created uniqueness which, in turn, will cause the occasional conflict with others. Paul's advice, think like Jesus (Phil 2).

Chris

Sophie's thoughts.

2009-07-16T03:40:00.000-07:00

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At our contemporary worship service this week we looked at Philippians 1- the start of a 4 week chapter by chapter exploration of the letter. It is really extraordinary to read the joy and love that Paul clearly has for the community in Philippi. His genuine exuberance even from jail is confronting. Paul is still bearing witness and spreading the Gospel from inside jail, and more than that he is not put off whatsoever by his current circumstances.

Paul gives us a great example of how to bear trials, most definitely, but he also gives a model of discipleship that transcends situation- and I think here lies some of what Philippians 1 has to say to a contemporary audience. To follow Paul is would seem to me that we might need to find our prisons. In the service we looked at what status is about, what objects and things keep us locked up. Using some of the popular philosophical work of Allan de Botton, we looked at our own loot/prison and the secondary prison of the status the loot can affords us. Sometimes we can be slaves to our societal rank or to the perceptions of others about us, or our stuff. The good news, from our focal letter to Philippi, is that these prisons mean very little to us. If Paul could not be contained by bars, we cannot be contained by our “stuff”. We can reveal some of Paul’s joy and exuberance in ourselves and glimpse the real freedom Christ offers.

Sophie (Student Minister)

The Trinity is back !

2009-06-28T17:37:00.000-07:00

Has it ever been away, some of you will ask? Well, yes and no. Many years ago when I was a seminarian the Trinity fell out of fashion. One afternoon while mowing the college lawns - we did those sorts of things in the olden days - a student colleague and I were discussing theology when I pronounced a robust belief in the doctrine of the Trinity. My colleague and friend quickly denounced me as naive and a fundamentalist to boot. The Trinity was passe. He knew because one of the lecturers told him so (and me some time later). I never believed him and stayed a naive fundamentalist (though I don't think I am).

It is a funny old world, isn't it? Because, the Trinity is back. Recent theological thinking has reminded the church that this uniquely christian view of God is rich soil. Remembering that God exists in community has something important to say to those of us who seek to live as a community of equals.

This is what we trying to do at connecT. Worship, support, pray and care for each others as equals. Each of us is unique but we are inter-connected. Not joined at the hip, as it were, but bonded in love. The Trinity, that is God, fills all that we seek to do. It is relational. A naivety we would be unwise to let go of.

Chris

Everybody hurts sometime.

2009-06-16T21:35:00.000-07:00

So sing REM. This song formed part of our Sunday night's reflection on 'baggage' and what do with it. Assisted by Rob Bell - via Nooma video, Luggage - we thought about baggage and forgiveness and being hurt and hating it and being freed from it...sometimes. We all have baggage don't we and we are so often sick and tired of carrying it around. I want to be free from it. So, too, do many others.

A ritual which helped. We lit a candle. The candle represented someone who we need to forgive or, perhaps, someone who needs to forgive us. We, hopefully, left it there to burn away as we moved on. For some of us we needed to make contact with the forgiven and some did. For others it was too late. They are no longer with us. But it was all part of birthing the good news of forgiveness in us so it becomes part of our good 'baggage'.

How best do we deal with 'baggage'? Ignore it? Burn it? Re-pack it?

Chris

Picking fruit

2009-05-24T18:17:00.000-07:00

At this week's connecT service we thought about the fruit of the Spirit -love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Gal 5: 22-23) . We were asked to pick a few that we found easy and a few that we found a little harder. Most of us found love, peace and joy the fruit easier to pick but patience, faithfulness, self-control etc. a little harder.

Thinking about it bit more today I wonder whether we can really ever know love without patience or faithfulness, or peace with out self-control. Is Paul's list pick and choose or do we need them all to pass the test? Maybe, it not a test, at all, but an invitation to invite God's Spirit in to do the work. 'If we live by the Spirit, let us also be guided by the Spirit' (Gal 5: 25).

Chris

Love is all around us

2009-05-18T18:46:00.000-07:00

On Sunday night two of our leaders designed the worship around love and the Holy Spirit - a great connection. Though the verse wasn't used I was reminded of Romans 5:5 - 'God's love has been poured into hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us'.

A clip was used - the beginning of 'Love Actually'. For some reason I always get a bit 'misty' at the beginning and, especially, at the end of the movie. All those people at the airport meeting in love coupled with a great Beach Boys song, 'God only knows'.

Which leads me to ask: are our churches like airports; meeting spaces where loved ones meet at the beginning of , or at the end of, or mid-way through journeys, with stories to tell and experiences to share? Do our worship spaces help us to connect life, faith and love?

Chris

Change

2009-05-14T20:06:00.000-07:00

I borrowed this from Steve Taylor's blog 'emergentkiwi'. I thought it was good and something, especially, for anglicans to think about.

“If you don’t like change, you’re going to like irrelevance even less”.

A quote, not by some emerging, missional hipster, but General Eric Shinseki, now President Barack Obama’s Secretary of Veterans Affairs

Chris

Emergent worship

2009-05-10T17:57:00.000-07:00

Just recently we began a new evening service. At this service we wanted to explore some 'emergent' forms of doing and being church. There would be music, Bible, monthly eucharist, some creativity and, especially, an opportunity to gather around the 'text' of scripture and talk - and, yes, food too! Some input would be provided by one of the leadership team - 7 adults under 50 and over 30; 4 women and 3 men. The service would be built around themes. Last night, for example, being Mother's Day in Australia, we looked at feminine images for God. The service was led by all women. We used the Rob Bell Nooma dvd 'she' as a discussion starter (the only male input, we wanted to find a dvd by a woman but couldn't find one quickly) - it worked well. At the service there we about 30 people aged from 9 to 80 and good gender balance too. I felt it was a good night and made me, at least, think deeper about how I see God and value women's experience. I forgot to mention we call the service 'connecT' (the church is at a 'T' junction and we want to connect in Jesus, with each other and with the world around us).

Why this post? Well, are there any others doing similar things? What's your journey been like? Where do you find your inspiration, music and resources? What keeps you on track? What feeds you? I'd love to hear from you and get the conversation going.

Chris