Real eyes
Realise
Real lies
Sunday, 13 April 2008
Sprung Harvest
21 Days. Every one a working day. In Spring Harvest's language; 3 set up days, and 3 'weeks', each comprising 6 days. Time is complicated out there. One loses the usual order and progression of time, proving that it really is subjective.
I can be told things, I can write them down on paper, listen to a recording, watch them on video, but until I see them for real, in three dimensions and immerse myself in them only then do I understand them for what they really are. Since September I have been inviting people to speak at Sprng Harvest's Main Event, playing my part in the planning. Yet until I got there I had no real idea of what it is.
Butlins at Skegness and Minehead become villages of Christians. They eat, drink, sleep, walk, play learn and worship together for five whole days (a SH 'week' starts in the evening of Day 1 and ends at lunchtime on Day 6). They meet with each other, they interact, they experience and they take away something with them that they didn't have before. A week at SH isn't just a holiday, its a series of holy days - time set apart from the World, with the purpose of becoming more as God wants us to be.
It is a collection of stories and of journeys. The theme of the event and the programme elements are merely an outline of a great picture, given colour by those who attend - both team and guest alike.
Thousands of guests attend each SH week, served by hundreds of team members, most of them volunteers. I'd like to thank all those who served and contributed; for giving up your time and using your gifts and yourselves in the service of others. It was a privilege to serve God in this way and to work with such a professional team.
God transforms lives. When He's not taking direct action ,He works through His people and events. When we come together as His ekklesia - as Christ's bride, He continues to make His presence known. I was touched by God these past few weeks and I saw others changed also.
I learned:
1) That I had the stamina to make it through the three weeks.
2) That I could perform a new role whilst on site.
3) That in God's world - individuals count. It didn't matter how many people were being catered for; if there were a few or even just one who had different needs, they were looked after as they needed to be, whatever it took.
4) To look deep for skills and abilities.
5) To manage people in their gifting - it is one thing to stretch people outside of their comfort zone; it is another to use them outside of their ablity.
6) That friendships are made and deepened.
7) That we don't always get it right, we won't always get it right. But we always have the choice and opportunity to try.
8) That God was evident there.
9) That the journey continues.
Roll on SH 2009 - Apprentice.
www.springharvest.org
I can be told things, I can write them down on paper, listen to a recording, watch them on video, but until I see them for real, in three dimensions and immerse myself in them only then do I understand them for what they really are. Since September I have been inviting people to speak at Sprng Harvest's Main Event, playing my part in the planning. Yet until I got there I had no real idea of what it is.
Butlins at Skegness and Minehead become villages of Christians. They eat, drink, sleep, walk, play learn and worship together for five whole days (a SH 'week' starts in the evening of Day 1 and ends at lunchtime on Day 6). They meet with each other, they interact, they experience and they take away something with them that they didn't have before. A week at SH isn't just a holiday, its a series of holy days - time set apart from the World, with the purpose of becoming more as God wants us to be.
It is a collection of stories and of journeys. The theme of the event and the programme elements are merely an outline of a great picture, given colour by those who attend - both team and guest alike.
Thousands of guests attend each SH week, served by hundreds of team members, most of them volunteers. I'd like to thank all those who served and contributed; for giving up your time and using your gifts and yourselves in the service of others. It was a privilege to serve God in this way and to work with such a professional team.
God transforms lives. When He's not taking direct action ,He works through His people and events. When we come together as His ekklesia - as Christ's bride, He continues to make His presence known. I was touched by God these past few weeks and I saw others changed also.
I learned:
1) That I had the stamina to make it through the three weeks.
2) That I could perform a new role whilst on site.
3) That in God's world - individuals count. It didn't matter how many people were being catered for; if there were a few or even just one who had different needs, they were looked after as they needed to be, whatever it took.
4) To look deep for skills and abilities.
5) To manage people in their gifting - it is one thing to stretch people outside of their comfort zone; it is another to use them outside of their ablity.
6) That friendships are made and deepened.
7) That we don't always get it right, we won't always get it right. But we always have the choice and opportunity to try.
8) That God was evident there.
9) That the journey continues.
Roll on SH 2009 - Apprentice.
www.springharvest.org
Monday, 10 March 2008
Of Course!
Next week marks the end of another term.
For the first time since leaving university I've been measuring my life in terms. From September til December last year it was an Alpha Course for Rach and a Lifeshapes Course for me, since Jan its been Lifeshapes for Rach and The Marriage Course for both of us.
All these things have been great for us. Useful in guiding us along the new path we walk. We've learned about what Jesus did; about how we should follow Him and be like Him; about how we can develop our marital relationship, we've learned a lot. I'm grateful to our church for providing these learning opportunities and for those who've led and facilitated them - thanks for your servanthood.
What I take away from all this is a new look at myself and the way I want to live. I've learned to self-examine and bite my tongue, to focus my passion and be active in it, rather than just be passionate. The challenge and the discipline will be this: To use what I've been taught and put it into practice in my everyday life.
I'll miss the courses - I've enjoyed being a student and doing homework again, but everything has been about application and so any benefit I'm going to gain will come from making the paperwork real.
The Alpha Course
In short - a step by step introduction to Christianity. So good I did it twice! Useful in understanding Christians, even it you're not one.
Lifeshapes
Uses shapes as 'mnemonics' to detail and explain tenets of Jesus' teaching and ministry and how we can be disciples of His today.
The Marriage Course
We have to be taught to drive, cook, speak a foreign language, why not a relationship? The Marriage Course has really opened my eyes again as to how to communicate with Rach and understand and respond to her needs, whilst doing the same for me. We've been together for 10 years and it showed us two fundamental things - 1) We've done well so far on our own, naturally understanding and working at our reationship, and - 2) That if we'd had this knowlede before - we'd have probably done a lot better.
The Point Church - where if you live locally, you can sign up and try them out for yourself
For the first time since leaving university I've been measuring my life in terms. From September til December last year it was an Alpha Course for Rach and a Lifeshapes Course for me, since Jan its been Lifeshapes for Rach and The Marriage Course for both of us.
All these things have been great for us. Useful in guiding us along the new path we walk. We've learned about what Jesus did; about how we should follow Him and be like Him; about how we can develop our marital relationship, we've learned a lot. I'm grateful to our church for providing these learning opportunities and for those who've led and facilitated them - thanks for your servanthood.
What I take away from all this is a new look at myself and the way I want to live. I've learned to self-examine and bite my tongue, to focus my passion and be active in it, rather than just be passionate. The challenge and the discipline will be this: To use what I've been taught and put it into practice in my everyday life.
I'll miss the courses - I've enjoyed being a student and doing homework again, but everything has been about application and so any benefit I'm going to gain will come from making the paperwork real.
The Alpha Course
In short - a step by step introduction to Christianity. So good I did it twice! Useful in understanding Christians, even it you're not one.
Lifeshapes
Uses shapes as 'mnemonics' to detail and explain tenets of Jesus' teaching and ministry and how we can be disciples of His today.
The Marriage Course
We have to be taught to drive, cook, speak a foreign language, why not a relationship? The Marriage Course has really opened my eyes again as to how to communicate with Rach and understand and respond to her needs, whilst doing the same for me. We've been together for 10 years and it showed us two fundamental things - 1) We've done well so far on our own, naturally understanding and working at our reationship, and - 2) That if we'd had this knowlede before - we'd have probably done a lot better.
The Point Church - where if you live locally, you can sign up and try them out for yourself
Tuesday, 4 March 2008
What God wants me to do?
Over the past few months its become increasingly clear that God wants me (& Rach )to do something in His service, for His purpose.
However, I feel like I'm hidden in a swirling fog of confusion & I can't see my way through it. So I don't know what to do next that's in God's plan for me (us).
I revealed this to my Accountability Group on Saturday morning. They suggested that I pray directly to God about it and ask Him to show me what He wanted me to do / repent / etc?
On Saturday I prayed for a word. God gave me 'confirmation'
On Sunday I prayed for a sign and He gave me a last minute preach on Evangelism and a ready harvest.
On Monday I prayed for a piece of Scripture to guide me. He has 'given' me 2 Timothy.
I'm, watching this space (and continue to pray!)
However, I feel like I'm hidden in a swirling fog of confusion & I can't see my way through it. So I don't know what to do next that's in God's plan for me (us).
I revealed this to my Accountability Group on Saturday morning. They suggested that I pray directly to God about it and ask Him to show me what He wanted me to do / repent / etc?
On Saturday I prayed for a word. God gave me 'confirmation'
On Sunday I prayed for a sign and He gave me a last minute preach on Evangelism and a ready harvest.
On Monday I prayed for a piece of Scripture to guide me. He has 'given' me 2 Timothy.
I'm, watching this space (and continue to pray!)
Thursday, 21 February 2008
God, I love singing!
This is just a thank you note really. To God, for giving me a gift in singing, to my parents in supporting and nurturing it and to The Welcome & the point (churches) for allowing me to sing with others.
I joined with some very talented musicians this evening and sang, worshipping and praising our Lord.
It was fun, joyful and sounded truly great. It was a privilege and an honour to be a part of it.
I loved it. Thank you!
I joined with some very talented musicians this evening and sang, worshipping and praising our Lord.
It was fun, joyful and sounded truly great. It was a privilege and an honour to be a part of it.
I loved it. Thank you!
Sunday, 10 February 2008
Today's Slaves - Part 1
When someone says the word "Slave," what kind of an image does it conjure up? The blacks in America and the Civil War? Or the Greek & Roman civilisations, where slaves from conquered nations were kept by wealthy families. Maybe you think of today's sex trade and the people that are trafficked every day.
one definition of a slave, according to dictionary.com is this:
"A person who is the property of and wholly subject to another".
It is estimated that 12.3 million people are victims of forced labour worldwide. Of these 2.4 million are as a result of human trafficking. 600,000-800,000 men, women and children trafficked across international borders each year. Approximately 80 per cent are women and girls. Up to 50% are minors An estimated 1.2 million children trafficked each year
Trafficking is the fastest growing means by which people are caught in the trap of slavery
All these facts and much more information can be found on the Stop the Traffik website. Right now, stop the Traffik are campaigning the UN. They want to present a million signatures as a declaration to show that people want more done to stop trafficking and use it as an opportunity to set up a global fund to stop trafficking.
I encourage you, dear reader, to visit the website and sign up.Imagine having no rights, no choice: being used, abused and living in constant fear?
I hope and pray that their efforts bear fruit. I live in a prvileged society, where we take our freedom as read and have choice in our everyday lives. I believe that no man, woman or child should be the property of another.
one definition of a slave, according to dictionary.com is this:
"A person who is the property of and wholly subject to another".
It is estimated that 12.3 million people are victims of forced labour worldwide. Of these 2.4 million are as a result of human trafficking. 600,000-800,000 men, women and children trafficked across international borders each year. Approximately 80 per cent are women and girls. Up to 50% are minors An estimated 1.2 million children trafficked each year
Trafficking is the fastest growing means by which people are caught in the trap of slavery
All these facts and much more information can be found on the Stop the Traffik website. Right now, stop the Traffik are campaigning the UN. They want to present a million signatures as a declaration to show that people want more done to stop trafficking and use it as an opportunity to set up a global fund to stop trafficking.
I encourage you, dear reader, to visit the website and sign up.Imagine having no rights, no choice: being used, abused and living in constant fear?
I hope and pray that their efforts bear fruit. I live in a prvileged society, where we take our freedom as read and have choice in our everyday lives. I believe that no man, woman or child should be the property of another.
Where am I?
I must be missing something.
I've been to a number of churches in the past two and a half years and I find that there's very few people like me. There are plenty of new Christians, there are many children, there are lots of "young people", there are lots of parents, there are... my list continues. And I love the fact that the Church has a young, exuberant, passionate populace but I keep looking for the late 20s, early 30s group who don't have kids.
Where are they? Its like the church has a "lost generation" - a missing demographic. But I know I exist and I know that there are plenty of people of my age and similar circumstances, they just don't seem to go to church.
Do they even need church? Why aren't they there? Where do they go? Do they have Faith but don't like the traditional forms that church has taken? What are they doing instead.
I'm part of a new social group. If I was my grandfather I would have been married, settled into a lifelong career, owned a house, have had children by now and my wife would not have worked. For my parents generation it was very similar, only they both worked. But what for us? "Partners" in opposition to marriage or marrying later. Being older and older before buying a house. Divorce. Equality in the workplace. Competition in the workplace from international workers. The likelihood of more than one career in a lifetime. No pensions. The degradation of community.
Western church attendance has reflected social change, generation after generation.
Are they missing something? I think so.
I'd like to be wrong, but whatever, I miss them.
I'll keep looking.
I've been to a number of churches in the past two and a half years and I find that there's very few people like me. There are plenty of new Christians, there are many children, there are lots of "young people", there are lots of parents, there are... my list continues. And I love the fact that the Church has a young, exuberant, passionate populace but I keep looking for the late 20s, early 30s group who don't have kids.
Where are they? Its like the church has a "lost generation" - a missing demographic. But I know I exist and I know that there are plenty of people of my age and similar circumstances, they just don't seem to go to church.
Do they even need church? Why aren't they there? Where do they go? Do they have Faith but don't like the traditional forms that church has taken? What are they doing instead.
I'm part of a new social group. If I was my grandfather I would have been married, settled into a lifelong career, owned a house, have had children by now and my wife would not have worked. For my parents generation it was very similar, only they both worked. But what for us? "Partners" in opposition to marriage or marrying later. Being older and older before buying a house. Divorce. Equality in the workplace. Competition in the workplace from international workers. The likelihood of more than one career in a lifetime. No pensions. The degradation of community.
Western church attendance has reflected social change, generation after generation.
Are they missing something? I think so.
I'd like to be wrong, but whatever, I miss them.
I'll keep looking.
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