I am closing this blog.

Anyone interested to buy the domain let me know.

Thanks for reading this!

Neal

It was in a moment of reflection about the church plant that we’re part of that I thought about/explored the artwork and wording used in some of the material we share with people to let them know about our church faith gathering.

That’s when I saw what could be an issue. Did you see it?

The question then, does that phrase “family faith gathering” confuse people in our Australian suburban context, or should we use ‘church” (with all of it’s cultural and emotional baggage that people associate with it)?

We’re called to be an alternative to the Empire and yes, that means our way, Jesus’ way, is alien to the culture. Perhaps we take that too far and enter into forms of church — even attractional church that is often too alien for people.

Should we not start with a recognised form of worship/name and move towards a more authentic form of church/worship while not confusing the people in our culture? That it to say, people know what Church is from our culture. Are we doing ourselves and the people we’re trying to engage by not using the term ‘church’?

Interestingly, as I was writing this, there was an article on ABC 23 news about Bell’s Beach. One of the original surfers — “Sitting with my mates in the swell at dawn — that’s the closest you’ll get me to church.”

Have been reflecting that I have been working in the community centre and church plant rather than on them both.
I plan, to change in the next month with a new schedule that will hopefully include some new programs & volunteers.
Would appreciate prayers. Thanks’

Ever wonder what Australia would be like if it had the Kingdom of God breaking out all over?

Now that you have considered it, what are you waiting for?

Share with us what you are going to do.

Are our agencies helping the homeless working to find them short-term or long term solutions? Shouldn’t they be working in-conjunction with society and the church to ease the short-term traumatic moments of homelessness as well as seeking to answer the long-term needs.
Today that is a question that has arisen at our community centre for a young couple currently sleeping rough and struggling with the local housing agencies.

Many readers of my blog will know that I have been very slow in writing recently. I have wanted to write and much has happened, so it has been recalcitrant of myself not to write much.

What is being done here in Melbourne, let alone Australia?

Awesome work showing the evils and reality of sex traffiking and slavery in our modern world by unearthedpictures.org — check them out.

Christine Cine has uploaded her latest Advent Meditation video! She has called it Christ is Coming.

Christ Is Coming Let Us Draw Near: This 5 minute advent meditation focuses on the coming of Christ into our world– not just as a child in a stable but as the bringer of justice and freedom. Music for the meditation features Kyrie – I Call to You from the CD, Standing Still by Jeff Johnson (www.arkmusic.com). Used with permission. All Rights Reserved.

A high resolution version of this video is available from lulu.com

Her previous Advent Meditations are also available on her blog.