What would it be like to live in a world where we have no control? To have no power. To be not allowed near the steering wheel. Not very nice? Frustrating? A recipe for high blood pressure and lots of anxiety?
It might depend on whether anyone was in control, and, if someone was, who it was. Sometimes we are grateful enough if things seem to be under control, if the regular pattern of things is undisturbed, peaceful, going along as usual.
Our world – ah there’s a term – the world in which we live – it is not really our world - is not under our control. Little bits of it may be from time to time. And we may wish we had more of a say in how it works, even take assertive action to wrestle bits of it into submission. But overall it is not under our control.
A few weeks ago I attended a seminar in the church where I was made deacon (St Edmund's Wembley) 39 years ago. Although I was ordained here in Perth, I grew up in Sydney. I remember arriving, newly married, on the train into Perth and looking at all the houses along the railway line and thinking how scary it will be to start ministering among them.
It has been scary. And exciting. And frustrating. And mystifying. And growing. And sad. And wonderful.
I have been involved in at least five major building projects in different parishes, and so have learnt bits and pieces of architecture, engineering, building, local government law, politics, and so on (oh, and finding money too). All very interesting.
Of much more importance, I have been involved in the lives of lots of people. Some of them I first met as unbelievers. Some I met as experienced and committed believers. Some were not sure what they were. Quite a few had messed up lives. In this job, one does not get to choose one’s friends.
“We have a range of services so that people with busy lives can choose their times and style of worship.”
If you read this in a church’s welcome leaflet would you be attracted to the church? Would you find this a helpful statement for your involvement in a church? For many of us this is just what we need. Flexibility and choice.
What if you went to a different church and read this:
“We are a community of disciples of Jesus who meet to pray, give thanks, listen to God’s word and share fellowship together.”
Would you be inclined to join that church?
Or what about this:
I thought the Annual Meeting last Sunday was an excellent time. The discussion was friendly, respectful and lacking any bitterness or ill-feeling. I felt very thankful for the way we were able to talk about matters that are very important for each of us.
Overall there seemed to be a strong affirmation for the idea of moving into two congregations, although some felt that it was not the right time or the right thing to do. Others were not sure they were ready to make up their mind yet. So we will take time to talk some more.
A question was asked at the meeting about the difference between “services” and “congregations” since we have been talking about starting two new congregations.
{podcast id=280}
Sermon preached at Christ the King Willetton on 27 May 2012
What difference does it make to us when we know that we are loved by God and that God works in all things for our good.
Why are we talking about multiplying congregations? It often seems as though there is plenty of space still left at 9am. And sometimes there is. But experience and various bits of research tell us that 80% full is effectively full. What is more another ten people would probably push it to be quite full.
Is another ten people a good number? It would be a very good number compared to two or three. But not compared to twenty or fifty.
The simple answer to the question is that multiplying congregations gives us a good opportunity to increase the number of people who could join us.
It is also, at the moment, one of the good ways of allowing more people to hear the gospel and come to Christ.
There are however a couple of serious matters associated with the idea.
Read more: Would you like to come to church with me? 27 May 12
{podcast id=279}
Sermon preached at Christ the King Willetton on 20 May 2012
Sufferings and troubles now are to be seen in the light of the promised glory, as the creation and we groan as we look forward to our redemption, with the Spirit groaning and praying for us as well.
1. Suffering and Glory v17-18
2. Creation groans v19-22
3. Believers groan v23-25
4. The Spirit groans v26-27
Page 88 of 114