As we watched the Australia Day fireworks, my son asked me why we needed to say sorry to the Indigenous people for something we did not do (he is 6 years old). I explained to him that if his sister hurt her finger, even if he did not do it, he should tell her he is sorry it happened. I understand that this issue is much deeper than this, and goes to generational responsibility… and I am personally sorry for what has happened. But I hope this explanation in someway helped him to understand.

I wonder if its possible that with true reconcilition, it could actually become a day we could all celebrate together….maybe it could be the day that our government chose to issue an apology in 2009, thus redeeming what is a bad annual reminder for the original people into a day all Australians can celebrate together?

Ever since I have been at Bedford, we have not really had a youth group.
There was a strong young adults group, which I was originally called to lead.
Now we are seeing some great young people growing up in the church, and others coming along as well.

We have some wonderful leaders who have taken on the responsibility for leading this. Its not so hard getting volunteers, its hard to get key leaders, especially quality people. Thanks God! This is a very exciting development for me personally…..cant really explain why, but it is wonderful.

This past Christmas some of the young people took on the responsibility for the Christmas Eve drama, and apart from some sound issues, did a great job. It is really wonderful to see this happening.

Star Eagles recruit Chris Masten has been charged with disorderly conduct and issued a move on notice. Police allege that the punched a man with such force that he fell to the ground. He was not permitted to stay at the Fireworks display. His behaviour appeared to be a relatively isolated incident in an otherwise well behaved crowd. Some observers suggest that he should see the West Coast Eagles Chaplain for counselling.

story

Here is a video I made up using Jewels song, and some images and video….it is a beautiful moving song, with stirring lyrics.

This video is primarily focused on women…..and I have used it a couple of times at church, and will be kicking off the service this week with it.

Things are good at the moment at Bedford in terms of conflict, but as we are dealing with new beginnings in January, we are touching on this passage from Philippians….

2 Now I appeal to Euodia and Syntyche. Please, because you belong to the Lord, settle your disagreement. 3 And I ask you, my true partner,[b] to help these two women, for they worked hard with me in telling others the Good News. They worked along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers, whose names are written in the Book of Life.

95% of church conflict is not over issues, but personalities. This is no excuse, but is the reason. Paul here calls these two women to get their act together.
The cause of Jesus Christ is too important to let conflict get in its way.

We have just, after much prayer, planning and paperwork, got out church 2 new Sanyo PLC-XU78 Data projectors. XGA 3,000 Lumens.

Our seniors in particular had noted the deteriating brightness of our present projector, and we need two for when we have bigger crowds in.

The crowd I bought them off are Christians, which is not always good, but they seem to do good deals for churches, for ministry sake. Delivery was good, but of course over Christmas no one seems to be working.

I have just tested them out, and they look good.
My sense is that a church service should be telling a story. Someone said to me once, rather briskly, that Jesus would not have a data projector. I disagree. Jesus was the ultimate story teller. He would have grabbed one to use to tell stories with I reckon.

This is what I want our church to be moving toward. A place where people come and experience truth through story.

Reading the West today I note the Dockers are off to Africa today.
They will do some community development and play a exhibition game against Carlton.

Wonder if Chris Judd will play? Probably wont see him in Africa…not enough nightlife for him and Twigs…..