We are currently doing alot of thinking about what church looks like, what it should look like and seeing what the similarities and differences are.
One of the groups we have at our church is called Soundings and it is a time where people can talk about a whole range of things often over a meal. At the moment they are looking at the Nooma DVD's. They are great. The one that was looked at the last Soundings was called Sunday.
The discussion that followed after had the question "why do you think the Video was set in a Cafe" Some of the answers reflected a desire to meet as a faith community in a place that was different to the traditional 'sancutary' or school hall as is the case for us.
I also came across Jan Edmiston's blog A church for starving artists and they meet in a theatre space. Jan raises on her blog a similar question to the one I am also about to put.
If you could meet anywhere to "do church" where would you meet and why?
What type of place do you think best provides the environment for 'church' to happen? Is it a cafe, or BBQ, Party, sports centre, sanctuary, community centre, youth centre, park, beach, where is it?
I don't have an answer, just a question. Something soo rare for me. lol
Blessings
Em
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Skinned Milk
Hi
Today 'The Inquisitor' (this is the name my 6 year old has finally be given) asked "How do you make skinned milk?"
I explained that it was skim milk and it was with less fat, but it left me with the question 'How do you make skinned milk?'
Any suggestions?
Em
Today 'The Inquisitor' (this is the name my 6 year old has finally be given) asked "How do you make skinned milk?"
I explained that it was skim milk and it was with less fat, but it left me with the question 'How do you make skinned milk?'
Any suggestions?
Em
Monday, August 28, 2006
Census Questions
During the time I was off line Australia had it's Census. This happens once every 7 years. On the night of the 8th of August every household in Australia filled out the 18 page questionnaire providing a snapshot of Australian life.
As Australians we don't always take these types of things seriously, which is why there was talk of Jedi Knight being included as a Religion on this Census due to the high number of Australians who put it down as their religion last Census.
Anyway in a household where the type employment for the Adults is a welder and a pastor it made for interesting discussions when we arrived at the questions about work.
For a welder the question "What are the main tasks the person usually performs in the occupation?" can fit into the 50 letter space for a definition. Try answering that question as a Minister of Religion! It only allows you about 6 words to describe your job! I won't share some of the suggestions my husband gave in relation to what I do, I'm sure you could fill them in for yourself.
But it the gets really interesting when it starts asking questions about your workplace. Questions like
"What best describes your industry or business?" and my personal favourite
"What are the main goods produced or main services provided by the employers business?"
The last question is a really revealing questions when you apply it to church.
What are the main goods or services we offer?
Are they in line with what we are called to be offering or are they just about doing church?
Is it OK to lie on a census to make your church appear more Christ like? Does anyone care?
I have never filled out a census as a Pastor before last time there was a census I was studying to be a Pastor and still working as a Librarian. That is a much easier job to describe on a Census.
Filling it out as a Pastor has provided me with more questions than answers. I would love to hear how you would describe you job in 50 letters or less.
Blessings
Em
As Australians we don't always take these types of things seriously, which is why there was talk of Jedi Knight being included as a Religion on this Census due to the high number of Australians who put it down as their religion last Census.
Anyway in a household where the type employment for the Adults is a welder and a pastor it made for interesting discussions when we arrived at the questions about work.
For a welder the question "What are the main tasks the person usually performs in the occupation?" can fit into the 50 letter space for a definition. Try answering that question as a Minister of Religion! It only allows you about 6 words to describe your job! I won't share some of the suggestions my husband gave in relation to what I do, I'm sure you could fill them in for yourself.
But it the gets really interesting when it starts asking questions about your workplace. Questions like
"What best describes your industry or business?" and my personal favourite
"What are the main goods produced or main services provided by the employers business?"
The last question is a really revealing questions when you apply it to church.
What are the main goods or services we offer?
Are they in line with what we are called to be offering or are they just about doing church?
Is it OK to lie on a census to make your church appear more Christ like? Does anyone care?
Is the main service we provide being provided to those in our church or is it being provided to the rest of the world where we have been called to go?
I have never filled out a census as a Pastor before last time there was a census I was studying to be a Pastor and still working as a Librarian. That is a much easier job to describe on a Census.
Filling it out as a Pastor has provided me with more questions than answers. I would love to hear how you would describe you job in 50 letters or less.
Blessings
Em
Thursday, August 24, 2006
Resurfacing
Hi everyone
The past 8 weeks have been a time of regaining balance and equilibrium. Thank you to all who have maintained contact with me and kept me in their prayers over this time, it has been greatly appreciated.
I have really missed the interactions which result from the blog and have had a number of people prod me to get back to it. So here I am.
Below are some photos of the flowers that are currently in our garden. I love the garden in our new house it is well established and full of beautiful plants. At the moment it is the end of winter and our pine tree is flowering. I never knew a pine tree could flower until now but they are. It is a real treat watching the garden begin to come back to life as we head into spring.
Blessings
Em
The past 8 weeks have been a time of regaining balance and equilibrium. Thank you to all who have maintained contact with me and kept me in their prayers over this time, it has been greatly appreciated.
I have really missed the interactions which result from the blog and have had a number of people prod me to get back to it. So here I am.
Below are some photos of the flowers that are currently in our garden. I love the garden in our new house it is well established and full of beautiful plants. At the moment it is the end of winter and our pine tree is flowering. I never knew a pine tree could flower until now but they are. It is a real treat watching the garden begin to come back to life as we head into spring.
Blessings
Em
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