Emerging but not from the water

You would expect emerging conversation to be filled with modern logos and symbols pointing to newness and post Christian thinking. But how do you relate this theology or way of life in the Scottish context or indeed in the Highlands and Islands.

Stuart Blyth on his barricade blog makes mention of some baptists meeeting to discuss the emerging scene.

He says

"Under the broad auspices of the Centre for the Study of Scottish Christian Spirituality we are going to be hosting a coffee-shop discussion on the Emerging thing in Scotland on the evening of Wednesday 25th April at 7.30pm at Starbucks in Borders, the Fort, Glasgow."

Hope the conversation is fruitful.

View the pictures at Saltcoats

Pictures of the college at saltcoats are viewed here. This will take you to a slide show.

Follow up Saltcoats College

Saltcoats college says:

"We have just spent two weeks on demolition work, taking down the area of the building that had become unsafe and we are ready to rebuild when the money comes to hand. Right now, we are looking for immediate support of £10,000. We have a £25,000 bill that needs to be paid imminently; £15,000 has been received already but the remaining £10,000 of this installment is now sought with some urgency – hence the need for this communication to those who might feel minded and able to help. If you feel led to help us we would be awfully glad of a quick response. Cheques, large or small, payable to the “Come back to God Campaign” will be very gratefully received at the address below, but do please get in touch to discuss Gift Aid, any queries or to arrange a visit.
The area that needs to be rebuilt – the ‘Sun Lounge’ is a main thoroughfare of the College, if we cannot rebuild this structure, whilst replacing the walkway roof, and securing disabled access to our Lawn area, we will not be able to continue the work we are engaged in for the Lord Jesus in the same way. We have prayed, fasted and brought this matter to many praying friends, we have also sought to earn the revenue required for this rebuilding venture through taking on outside print jobs and using all the skills amongst the team to earn money. But we are also now dependant upon the generosity and stewardship of our friends, supporters and brothers and sisters in Christ. If you will invest in our work today, you will help us continue to tell others about Jesus, to teach and train people in healing and deliverance ministry and to reach out to this nation of Great Britain and bring its people back to God. Your prayers and financial support are needed today.
Thank you so much."

Kierkegaard goes to the doctor

Soren Kierkegaards been to the doctor. This is what he said.

Victoria station

Returning from a meeting in London I am taken aback once again, by simply the numbers of people in the City at any one time. Thousands of people travelling by the underground. The variety of styles, cultures and faiths represented in such a small space. Yet there is still the eerie silence,... the avoidance of eye contact and the ability to avoid a new relationship. For all these people and all these cultures God is available and continues to make access to them. But the eyes avoid an encounter that might challenge and show any falsehood, they prefer in someways to remain in their non-relational rat race. Victoria station so important if you want the Gatwick Express to the airport at Gatwick. Direct route to the terminus for one's journey. Jesus the Christ direct access to God, despite what many would indicate in there lifestyle or verbal stance.

Sheep Rustlers in Sutherland ?

Two weeks ago this headline took front pages news in the Northern Times. Apparantly its not the first time over the last twenty years that unaccounted high losses of sheep have been noted and recorded in the Bonar Bridge/Rogart area. Strange how no bones were found.

A need to be met!

Sun Lounge project pictures

As you know I am not in the habit of putting round requests, but I thought if some of our contacts and other connections could help - Tim and Ben would be delighted.

Hey Lets further the Kingdom Now.

I have had a communication from a friend who said to me this morning:

Tim said to Brian Robertson in Rogart

Ben, my son, is over at Saltcoats where he graduated from Bible College last autumn. He's stayed on in the Come Back to God Campaign and I'm trying to help him raise £50k or thereabouts urgently to tackle some structural collapse that hit the building. The were blessed with £16k received a couple of weeks ago but the builders have got on well and will need the next £25k instalment next week! They have faith in the Lord's Provision and Will but know too that we are His Hands and must take the necessary actions.

Do you mind having a look at the attached, think/pray if it's any good, and if you're happy sending it on to your Christian networks to seek any support that might be out there?

Any input would be great!

Tim

To see Ben's pictures click here
Add to the comments if you would like me to send a pdf of the work.....

Meal of the day

Cant beat a good curry.

Rogart last week

Getting over a sore throat and this week in to a holiday. Spring is on its way.

feedreader 3.08

I see there is a new version of feedreader out.

Future of your church

If you are wondering How to move forward as a church how about considering the following.:

Firstly I will not be advising whither you start a Mums or Toddlers group. I am thinking more about first steps in the process of gaining an insight in to the future work.

Need to Meet to find a "Corporate discernment"... moving forward inch by inch. Take time together to sift out ideas etc. Allow everyone their input. Have a facilitator as leader for the meeting. Also sometimes the quieter person has the answer or discernment.

Prayer and discussion on " How God, would you have us steer?"
This is realisation. and the need to go on or in other words you cannot go back...
Retreat a time of rest and reflection

An uncluttered time to reflect and breathe - away from it all - including the Sunday routine.
What does God want for us?
What might he be calling us to?

Often he wants you to stop something first. Is there activity continuing that has past is sell by date and is not producing...?

Show a high value in Missions home and away.

Community/City/region impact

Where is God currently working, look for opportunities something to get alongside?

Move from Doing....to... becoming
Rally to a cause seems easy. Rallying around God -more difficult.

How does one move forward?

Teach me to live my life the way he would if he were here. (physically)

Head off discouragement

Calm be the person you want to be!
When God reality is present and someone comes into the body.
Then God has brought them in.

Remember "Come follow me".
Too many in the full time ministry are in a "rat race".
The next step should be "a dance with the Trinity and others"

Living in love speeds the coming of Jesus.

1 Our Corporate lives as examples and patterns
2 our assumptions about ministry
3 Our ministry plan
4 Our life rhythms and ministry
rest periods
5 Our ministry results

Are the activities -one purpose?

Step back from the need to see immediate results.

Happy discerning in the way forward.

Church new or old...

I had a meeting with someone in Eastbourne last week regarding new churches.

Daniel is looking for leaders to encourage in new church activity. I am sure he will not mind the link as he needs to speak to lots of people.

My question to him was is this a "new style for an old church" or is it "new church" the conclusion was new church. So often we are loking to replicate with a modern feel the old systems of church. The emerging people have got it right - go back to first principles. Seek ye first the kingdom. Then how de we do that where we are in the community and how best will this be developed. It may result in a system or structure of leadership or activity but it needs to be born out of the "seek ye first" bit first.

We had a good conversation that crystalised some of my thinking as well as his.

He coped with the Robertson probe.

I am sure Daniel would be encouraged by your comments and e mails.