It was wonderful to be back with you all leading the Lifestreams' All-age service last Sunday. The past two and a half weeks have, of course, been a wonderful opportunity for Anna, Ailan, Eilish and myself to spend time together as we settle back into life following the birth of our third child, Bella Grace McDonald. After two weeks on domestic duties with up to four loads of washing each day I discovered it is unwise to wash every piece of clothing that materialises on a child's bedroom floor! Anna is recovering well, and hopefully I can show Bella off to you in a fortnight when we meet again as Lifestreams.
The past few Sundays, with the exception of Pentecost, have also presented the opportunity for me to worship along with you, rather than "up the front". I cannot begin to describe what a blessing this has been. Because of the nature of our work, priests and pastors are tempted to fall prey to the mistaken impression that they are the ones who make worship happen. It's liberating to be reminded of who actually initiates w
orship. It seems to me that God is the one who invites us to worship and that essentially all we need to do is accept the invitation. But a lot goes on as we collectively accept God's invitation; from the welcome we give to one another and those among us for the first time, to how we offer ourselves in worship, as well as who and how we include people, across generations and nationalities, in our act of worship. In worship I suspect we begin to experiment with what it means to be redemptive community. By "redemptive" I mean a community that seeks to bring all of life's relationships into the healing and restorative presence of God. Community and worship embraces everyone, from the greatest to the least.
Over the past two months our new Lifestreams Team has met three times to discuss, pray and envision where God might be leading us as a congregation. At our last gathering the word "community" rose to the surface of our discussion very quickly. We quickly discovered a desire among us to experience and commit to a deeper embodiment of community in Lifestreams. Does that desire resonate with you? What do you think of or associate with the word "community"? How would you like to experience deeper levels of community?
At every stage of his earthly ministry, as well as through his resurrection and the sending of the Holy Spirit, Jesus called together a community of those who would live in the abundance of his life. By doing so this community were to announce Christ's purpose to the surrounding world. It's an exciting task and one that we are invited to continue to explore and express as we journey through the Ordinary time of the church's calendar.
There is much to be thankful for when I consider each one of you and what you contribute to the community life of Lifestreams. God bless you all as we continue our journey together into the world of worshiping, redemptive community.
NEXT WEEK
Next week, the 13th June, we will celebrate the St Barnabas' Patronal festival with other parishioners at the St Barnabas 10 o'clock service. Members of the 10 o'clock service are looking forward to hosting us and offering our worship together. Please let others know if they have not been made aware of this combined worship.
Men's Faith and Tech Breakfast
This Thursday, 7.30am
At Coffee Culture Riccarton.
Come ready to discuss and share your thoughts on the interaction between a Christian faith/world-view and the development and use of technology in our society.
I look forward to seeing you all this Sunday at St Barnabas.
May the blessing of God, Creator, Redeemer and Giver of Life be with you all!
Andrew
The past few Sundays, with the exception of Pentecost, have also presented the opportunity for me to worship along with you, rather than "up the front". I cannot begin to describe what a blessing this has been. Because of the nature of our work, priests and pastors are tempted to fall prey to the mistaken impression that they are the ones who make worship happen. It's liberating to be reminded of who actually initiates w
orship. It seems to me that God is the one who invites us to worship and that essentially all we need to do is accept the invitation. But a lot goes on as we collectively accept God's invitation; from the welcome we give to one another and those among us for the first time, to how we offer ourselves in worship, as well as who and how we include people, across generations and nationalities, in our act of worship. In worship I suspect we begin to experiment with what it means to be redemptive community. By "redemptive" I mean a community that seeks to bring all of life's relationships into the healing and restorative presence of God. Community and worship embraces everyone, from the greatest to the least.Over the past two months our new Lifestreams Team has met three times to discuss, pray and envision where God might be leading us as a congregation. At our last gathering the word "community" rose to the surface of our discussion very quickly. We quickly discovered a desire among us to experience and commit to a deeper embodiment of community in Lifestreams. Does that desire resonate with you? What do you think of or associate with the word "community"? How would you like to experience deeper levels of community?
At every stage of his earthly ministry, as well as through his resurrection and the sending of the Holy Spirit, Jesus called together a community of those who would live in the abundance of his life. By doing so this community were to announce Christ's purpose to the surrounding world. It's an exciting task and one that we are invited to continue to explore and express as we journey through the Ordinary time of the church's calendar.
There is much to be thankful for when I consider each one of you and what you contribute to the community life of Lifestreams. God bless you all as we continue our journey together into the world of worshiping, redemptive community.
NEXT WEEK
Next week, the 13th June, we will celebrate the St Barnabas' Patronal festival with other parishioners at the St Barnabas 10 o'clock service. Members of the 10 o'clock service are looking forward to hosting us and offering our worship together. Please let others know if they have not been made aware of this combined worship.
COMING UP FOR YOUR INTEREST:
Fresh Expressions Conference: Theology and Practice
Saturday 10 July 9.30am – 4.30pm
At St Christopher’s Avonhead
A fresh expression begins with listening – to God and to the community. Out of listening – comes service. Christians who want to share good news need first to be good news, to show genuine concern for others. Churches are finding that their old ways do not reach some parts of our culture. We need the new and the old and then we can work together to reach our nation.
For information, contact The Ven John Day mission@anglicanlife.org.nz or 363 0915.
For registration and accommodation contact Jo Barrett events@anglicanlife.org.nz or 379 5950
Men's Faith and Tech Breakfast
This Thursday, 7.30am
At Coffee Culture Riccarton.
Come ready to discuss and share your thoughts on the interaction between a Christian faith/world-view and the development and use of technology in our society.
I look forward to seeing you all this Sunday at St Barnabas.
May the blessing of God, Creator, Redeemer and Giver of Life be with you all!
Andrew