There is something exciting when critical mass is achieved.
This morning as we launched Kids Jam…a spin off from Toddler Jam, it was very gratifying to see about 20 kids turn up for our launch, at least half from our wider community.

20 kids is critical mass for a program such as this. It makes the place feel vibrant and welcoming, and that something good is happening. Obviously our Childrens Worker did an excellent job, as did the team. But what I wonder if many leaders understand…it does not matter how good your program is, your worship, your preaching…if you do not have criticical mass. Our team does….and we have been amazed to see what God has done to kick this program off, and we dont take it for granted.

People are the most important aspect of any program. If a program is floundering…pouring resources into making the program better might help in the long run….but there may not be a long run. What is infinitley more critical is pouring resources…be that prayer, finance, marketing, relationship networking…into getting people there. That creates critical mass…that gets things happening.

Well at least I am not getting my hopes up at three quarter time anymore, despite having a healthy lead.

No excuses…but the umpiring in the last 10 minutes was the most one sided and pathetic I have seen it. One decision in particular when Mc Pharlin got pinged for holding the ball. He was right in front of me and definetely handballed it. Also…his back was to the umpire, who was at least 15 metres away. The umpire assumed something.

And how Sandilands did not get paid a mark after holding onto it for an eternity, until having it swotted away is beyond me.

But….we lost. Our season is gonski.

Positives.
Bradley played well, Tarrant played his best game for us and worked his but off. Peake is back and kicking goals……The immediate season does not look good…but if we had kicked a total of 12 points more in 3 of our games…we would be 4 and 4.

The meeting after church went really well as the church basically decided that we are on the right path in our huge news. There was unqualified support for what is a radical change, couple of big changes actually…both in our identity and location.

While it became public knowledge today, it is not something I necesarily want to broadcast to the whole world. If interested, email me.

From this weeks message on “Fresh – Spirit”

There are people who know everything there is to know about music, the technical terms…pitch, notes, modes, instruments…so these people can hear nuances, and technical aspects of music that the rest of us might miss…but it also possible to know every aspect of musical production…yet miss out on the pure joy that a four year old has in dancing to the song….

Some Christians know all there is to know about God, His attributes, His theology…yet have missed or forgotten what it means to be refreshed by the music…by the Spirit moving and enthralling us with His power.

Other Christians struggle with God, and with why He does things the way He does…and don’t understand theology or history…yet their lives are lived in love…and with the anointing of the Spirit. Sometimes we wonder how such an infinite God could possibly have anything to say or do with our lives…..yet in the reaching out to a neighbour….in the sharing of a coffee, or the opening of a door…in a simple act of kindness or generosity…we can experience the power of the Spirit working through us.

What happens when you go on a coffee crawl, sampling three different coffees at different places? You get wired…buzzy and a little frantic, especially if you have not eaten much that day.

You also find the best coffee in suprising places.
Jesper, a new friend and fellow coffee nut set out this afternoon to discuss philosophy, Swedish heavy Rock music, performing arts, the book of Habbukuk and of course to determine where to buy a decent coffee from, close to home.

Exomod
I visit here regularly, its local, has free wireless interent, and serves decent coffee, with beautiful latte art.
I ordered a latte and Jasper a cappucino (no sprinkles or chocolate for goodness sake). Jesper specifically said, not too hot thanks.
Both the latte and cappucino were beautifully presented, with art on top. Real care taken, nice aroma…but suprisingly a few degrees too hot. Both of us agreed on that. Both were also just a little weak. Normally better, but still worth a 6.5 out of 10.

Soto’s
What to make of Soto’s? 2 years ago it was the place to be, but about 7 or 8 months ago I wrote it off after two hot and bitter lattes in a row, and house music way too loud. (I know I am getting old).
Today I ordered a Ristretto and Jesper ordered a classic Macchiato.
The Ristretto was good…smooth and strong…I would have preferred a little bit more crema. A good ristretto (in my view) should have a 1/3rd crema. But I am no expert. It was not too hot and I enjoyed it.
Jesper’s macciato was great. Nice full robust flavour. Good temperature. It lost marks for the dubious look of the milk dob on top. 6.5 out of 10

Beaufort St Merchants
The suprising pick of the bunch. I ordered a flat white, and Jesper asked for a ‘traditional’ Cappuccino…and the guy knew what he meant.
Perfect temperature. Lovely texture…on both. Lovely aroma. You with think after two coffees we might be coffeed out, but this was just great. We also sampled some of their dark cocoa chocolates. The young barrista knew his stuff and was taking pride in his work. They sell both Fiori and 5 Senses coffee, so you know its fresh, and they rotate what they use. 8.5 out of 10

There is so much swirling around in my head at the moment…I can’t stop.

Finding it difficult to sleep at the moment, or switch off from the things going on at church and our mission to the greater area of Inglewood.
This week we have kicked off Kids Jam…Quentin leading and starting this program on Tuesdays aimed at 4 years olds.

But that is only part of it.
I have some HUGE HUGE news to announce to the church on Sunday…God willing.
Can’t wait…but there is an awful amount of work, of every single type, to get done in the next few weeks. When God moves…sometimes you just have to go along with the ride and realise, you are not in control, yet, you need to be wise and discerning, sensitive, strong, focused but spontaeous…all at once.
It is only 8.30am, and despite having had my first coffee….I am tired already just thinking about it all….but also energised….if that makes sense.

If you are part of the Bedford Baptist Church community…do not miss Sunday….HUGE NEWS I tell you HUGE!!

This is interesting…
“I’m a firm believer in the fact that the lead pastor gives the church its feel. If he’s a screaming dictator, everyone’s afraid to open their mouths. If he’s a recluse, most of the folks don’t get too connected either. But if he’s a fun-loving idiot who enjoys being with people, there tends to be a pretty relaxed atmosphere around the place.”

Source

Fun loving idiot….yep….that about sums me up!
Actually I enjoy casualness, planned spontaneity…and can be intense at times….mmmmm