Easter 2012 church crawl
This Easter felt very exotic as we toured four Easter events around the city together. It began Thursday night in york st with a requiem mass from the 1600s. The music performed by sydney’s philharmonic choir was so moving that a few of us actually experienced moments of transcendence that night. On good Friday we went to Leichhardt where the story was retold using a series of short pieces by Bach. Then on Saturday evening we jumped into the twenty first century and took part in the ambient Easter mass at smallboatbigsea in Manly with music mixed by live DJ. The final gathering was our own, which really topped it off. We gathered on resurrection Sunday morning in the gardens of Centennial Park. It was fitting that we recounted the moment in the garden where Mary’s tears were turned to joy (John 20). We were reminded that ultimately God doesn’t just meet our expectations, he far exceeds them.
This month a few of us joined smallboatbigsea in celebrating their tenth anniversary at their TEN conference. Thanks smallboat! We owe a lot to you for your brave new ways that have inspired so many churches who are seeking relevance and authenticity in their church gatherings. Here’s a tedtalk style presentation from the anniversary conference - confessions of a genx call girl by Elizabeth Scott.
Jesus of Montreal - Last week we got together to watch and discuss this controversial film from the late 80’s. No matter what you think of the films theology, the film enfolds a moving tale of an actor ( daniel ) seeking to live as Christ did. It begins when he tackles what he says is the ultimate challenge, playing Jesus in an experimental theatrical performance of the passion. Daniel and his friends rediscover themselves in the process in a way that is familiar to people I know when they’ve begun to follow Jesus. They drop everything to ‘follow’ Daniel and do drama they can believe in, they find liberation, authenticity and community. While everyone else seem shonky, shaky or shallow, Daniel is free from all that and shines as secure, authentic and balanced. This incredible experience of personal discovery is a beautiful reminder of the power of the gospel. However on its own it falls way short of the whole gospel message. Unlike daniel, Christ didn’t find himself through selfless generosity. Watching this movie you could completely miss the point of why Jesus died and miss the unfolding plan of God that Jesus talks about and which he invites us into. But that aside, scene by scene Daniel’s journey is powerful because it confronts our tendency for unquestioning conformity. Daniel confronts hypocritical conservatism in the local catholic church and he explodes in rage when women actresses are treated as sexual objects at an audition for a television commercial. Who defines good? The film reminds me of the well groomed, well-to-do man in the bible who politely addresses Jesus: “good teacher…”. Jesus responds: Why do you call me ‘good’? (Luke 18:18-30). Jesus point is to confront blind self-righteousness. Jesus says only God is good, he then challenges him to dispense with his riches and causes everyone listening to question if its possible for anyone to be good enough. The film is confronting in a similar way. May be Jesus doesn’t approve of everything we’ve been conditioned to accept.
Here is one of the many blessings spoken on Sunday for the year ahead.
I know that things have not always been so easy for you. That there have been hard times, even recently. That you aren’t quite sure where you are going or whether God has a good plan for you. But remember this. You are deeply good. You are accepted just as you are. God always has time for you and knows everything about you. You are loved, just as you are. You’re beautiful soul delights God. And yes, there are good thing and good gifts to come.
Last week we hit the Newtown markets together and joined over 20,000 people who had descended on the local neighborhood park. Ours is a very intentional bunch of friendships. While friendship alone doesn’t constitute ‘church’, we believe friendship is essential. If you say you’re in a church, but don’t feel the bond of friendship, if church is simply an event where you pay your respects to God - we say you’ve actually failed to find a true church. Church must be a completely personal and relational affair.
How else would we do those things scripture talks about in church like warning, advice, encouragement and practical care?
Gathering on Sunday over a late lunch has really helped people to unwind and relax. This week we rolled our own pizza dough and when everyone had arrived we sat down together and shared the week that was. We took time to process how life and faith had worked together this week. Each week after lunch we take time to connect with God. This week we all went out and walked in different directions on the wet streets looking for beauty in things that we’d otherwise overlook. One person took interest the clouds, another by cracks in the pavement and another by fresh little leaves. Most felt somehow earthed by the experience, and reminded of the goodness of God. We finished as usual by studying the scriptures together and breaking bread to remember Jesus.
There are a bunch of people who have expressed interest in praying for our group and for our area.
- For us pray we will grow spiritually, grow practical in our faith and grow closer together as a community of Jesus.
- For Redfern/Alexandria/Waterloo pray that people here would turn and start following Jesus. Also pray that people would meet Christians demonstrating and announcing what the kingdom of God is all about.
Thanks for praying for us and cheering us on. It’s a great comfort to know your support and partnership.
So far our church gatherings have been small and relaxed. We meet over lunch each Sunday afternoon. We break bread to remember Jesus, we meditate on scripture, and we worship our saviour. It’s a celebration of the goodness of God.
One interesting thing we do is that we try to give everyone a chance to process the week that’s been. For us, good discipleship has to involve action and reflection. We need to reflect on the actual stuff that’s happened. So we stop and listen, sometimes we commiserate or other times we celebrate what’s happened. What really matters for us is that we are friends in faith, we are together in this, and we are enriched and enriching each others lives.
