It was an excellent night, a great part due to the crepes & many condiments we were offered at the end due to it being Shrove Tuesday the next day.
We looked, as a group, over being "Chosen" and how 'being chosen' does not mean privileged to the exclusion of others, but does put a stress on our belonging, our being important to God. It's still something I struggle with sometimes as it does seem from what I hear from other Christians how one person was chosen over others, by God - the ultimate love. Might need to think about that one
We then looked at Grace - all of us realising we weren't quite sure what it meant, despite the fact it is used so often in church circles. Again, something else I need to look more at.
Another thing that made me think was when we looked at two cycles: the cycles of Grief and of Grace.
We considered the cycle of grief - which goes from achievement to identity, to drivenness, to acceptance. And the cycle of grace - from acceptance to sustenance, to identity, to fruitfulness.
(more information on p2 and p4 of this link: http://marpleparish.co.uk/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=966s0kBdFOg%3D&tabid=2322&language=en-US )
We knew we should try to follow the cycle of grace, rather than grief; I realised I needed it also. Too often people in the Church are driven by 'bums on seats/pews rather than souls in heaven' (I remember hearing that somewhere). I am just as guilty of that. I want all of the 50-odd kids I deal with on Wednesday's (at Kidzone and Crossword) to be at Church that Sunday, to know Jesus, to become committed, adult Christians who love wholly, give generously and have an abounding faith. But, I need to realise that not even Jesus converted everyone - I'm not going to convert all 50 of these kids or others I meet. I need to realise that I am already accepted by God, I do not need to work to receive his love and grace - I do what I do out of love and desire to see the kingdom grow.
I've lots to think about this week.
God Bless,
Morrison
(more information on p2 and p4 of this link: http://marpleparish.co.uk/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=966s0kBdFOg%3D&tabid=2322&language=en-US )
We knew we should try to follow the cycle of grace, rather than grief; I realised I needed it also. Too often people in the Church are driven by 'bums on seats/pews rather than souls in heaven' (I remember hearing that somewhere). I am just as guilty of that. I want all of the 50-odd kids I deal with on Wednesday's (at Kidzone and Crossword) to be at Church that Sunday, to know Jesus, to become committed, adult Christians who love wholly, give generously and have an abounding faith. But, I need to realise that not even Jesus converted everyone - I'm not going to convert all 50 of these kids or others I meet. I need to realise that I am already accepted by God, I do not need to work to receive his love and grace - I do what I do out of love and desire to see the kingdom grow.
I've lots to think about this week.
God Bless,
Morrison
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