After over a year in Melbourne, I finally got around to organising a Wine and Word in Melbourne. Wine and Word is all about just sharing bits of the Bible we like, and sharing some food and wine. I developed it whilst living in Sydney and it worked really well in my Hornsby community.
Fewer people came tonight then I was expecting, but due to the extra casual mode of invitation it was to be expected. I had to wait 40 minutes before anyone arrived, and that was a bit unfun. Thankfully though I knew five people were coming, and those five did end up coming. Anyway once they arrived everything worked. It was so nice, around my gas heater in my living room.
Interesting the six of us all admitted to barely reading the Bible but still all found bits we liked, and shared stories around them. It is quite funny how good the Bible actually is. Six random (or close to) passages were chosen by different people, and there were linkages through them all. I really loved remembering why the Bible is my sacred text, and what that means. It is so beautiful, better then Harry Potter, or even Lord of the Rings.
I love rediscovering things that are old, and really enjoying them.
About stuff
Sometimes I really feel the burden of responsibility. I take the lead on projects which change how 40 people work and how tens of thousands of people relate with my organisation. When I make sub-optimal decisions and mistakes people end up having to deal with frustration and extra work. However when I do things right little things work a little better.
My stress levels are rather high at the moment, as I am working on some big decisions. I am pretty sure which option is right, but I’ve realised the need to have the process right. This is harder when you have an option you are pretty sure is right.
This brings up the issue of consultation. I am turning into a fairly good sales person, but I don’t know if I am always selling the right thing.
I wish I had some staff so I had time to do things better….
Stupid GFC!
About stuff
So I went to church today, and even went to the pre-church on what is church looking for in a new minister.
I think I’ve been reminded of something I knew. God works in spite of church structures.
Most of the things that I love about church happen in the in-between spaces. The service doesn’t really matter that much, it is that “people of God” manage to come together despite all the issues in doing so. It is the support we can give each other, and the welcome we can give to the stranger. It is so many things, due to the different gifts of so many other people who go.
I love the people, and feel that God is there somewhere in the midst of it all. So it is that I will continue to go to my church and consider membership.
About stuff
I am wondering more and more wondering if church in the formal context is something I wish to continue to be involved in.
I feel Christian community is an important part of the Christian faith, sometimes I struggle to see how modern mainstream church fits with that.
I believe in a participatory church, and my current church has become less participatory, and creative over the year I have been attending it.
I do though value many of my relationships I have made through church.
I have noticed though the gradual decline in frequency of many of those people who I journey with most.
I don’t spend enough time relating with God, I wonder if spending Sunday evening in a private quite time would perhaps be more nourishing to my soul. Or maybe I should just make another time.
Mostly though:
Rosters piss me off.
I have problems with authority.
I am so over liturgy and communion every week.
I feel the power differentials in church are too high.
For now though I’ll keep going to church, until I work through some of this stuff.
Church, Religion
Well today I am going to my first AFL match. After a year living in Melbourne it is definitely time. Should be interesting, I wonder if I’ll like it. It’s between Richmond and the Western Bulldog(my team).
About stuff