Solving the question of same-sex marriage with a postage stamp and walk to the local post office demeaned the question. But how ought Christians have voted? Jesus, full of Grace and Truth, demonstrated the principles by which we need to live. Dare we live this radical lifestyle in twenty-first century Australia?
Monthly Archives: May 2018
Women of Gilead: oppressing and oppressed
Rather than condemn religion itself, or even male-dominated systems, this series highlights the power that women of faith have to influence their environment. It encourages us to use that power for good, like the rabbi who blesses the unwomen, and not for harm, like the hard-hearted Gilead matriarchs.
We need a reset button
Why is a day off good for us and good for society?
Appreciate the shoulders you stand on
What does it mean to honour your father and mother?
Ignite Leaders Retreat
On the 13th & 14th April this year, over thirty people from various multicultural churches in the BUV, gathered together for the Ignite Emerging Leaders Retreat, held at Camp Wilkin. About 30 people from many different, mostly mono-cultural migrant churches. Though their English is perfect, the younger ones of our migrant church rarely mix with others from different a different heritage or background. The camp was important as this was an opportunity for them to share their common second-gen faith journey.
As followers of Jesus there was much to share of their experiences in leadership of bi-lingual ministry and mission. Fascinating. Fun, stimulating and challenging discussions were shared, and below is a reflection on the time together by one of our Korean second-gen Uni students, Ms Yerin Song, from Bentleigh Baptist Church:
During the retreat, it was evident that the people who were gathered there had very different experiences. Experiences of their journey to Australia, experiences of church and faith, experiences of culture and most importantly a very diverse experience of our journey with God. However, these varying experiences shared within the planned sharing and brainstorming times as well as the free times, did not separate us. It instead created an environment for us as individuals to explore the great ways in which God works within our churches, communities and our personal journeys. The retreat was special in a way, where the differences brought us together. It was a safe place for each and every person to feel encouraged to share our unique experiences and perspectives – something that we don’t often experience within the society, or sometimes even within our own community.
The retreat in a way, with the great meals shared, reminded us of that kind of fellowship Jesus wants us to partake in. Sharing, engaging, getting to know each other, opening up about our struggles, our joys and our hopes… and all of these were happening in the retreat! People were passionate to talk about what was happening in their churches and youth groups. The leaders were passionate in talking about their hopes for the youth of their churches. We were passionate in discussing how this Ignite Conference could help our young people grow in their faith, get closer to Jesus, to know Him better and have fun while doing it! We pray that the young people of Melbourne through this conference come united, under Jesus, defying all odds of language and cultural barriers. We talked of how we could make the next Ignite multicultural youth and young adults conference (on 6&7 July) more relevant to our young people, so that the message of the Gospel “.. So flawed that Jesus had to die for me, so loved that He so gladly did!” (Shameless Tim Keller plug) could be communicated in a way, which truly helped each and every one of our young people attending be nourished so they can flourish in their day-to-day lives.
So overall, it was such a rewarding experience, being able to engage with other people who are also leading within their local areas. Not only was this rewarding in a way that we got to grow our connections and network, but also in a way that we were learning of what was happening around us, seeing where God had placed people’s hearts and broadening our focus from ‘my’ local church to ‘us’; the greater church.
Through this retreat we saw passionate and faithful individuals wanting to make a change, wanting to do life with people and to love our young people. Through the Ignite Conference we collectively; as youth and young adult leaders of the local churches, hope to see a group of youth gathered in the Name of Jesus, passionately worshiping Jesus and getting closer to Him. We hope this conference also ignites the hearts of the youth, so that God’s living and active words are lived out, changing the church, community and society through our unity in Christ.
We as individuals hope to continue to share our hopes and visions, and passion for Jesus and our young people. We hope and pray that we experience unity among the multicultural churches, that this unity exemplifies Christ’s love, and that this conference be a catalyst for change, for Unity, for God’s glory.
Youth and leaders can come and experience our BUV fantastic IGNITE Conference on Friday & Saturday, 6 and 7 July during the school holiday.
Register here
Source: BUV News
Light Community Baptist Church Community Engagement
Light Community Baptist Church recently received a BUV Community Engagement grant to help boost their presence in the neighbourhood. They were able to use the resources to purchase a gazebo, face painting supplies, a banner, a large chess set, and a jumping castle.
“Across the road from the church there is a monthly community market. As a church we wanted to have a presence at the market but didn’t want to sell anything. Each month we host a stall and have a table promoting our regular church activities (playgroup, youth group, coffee club). We also have a banner advertising our church service time. “
The church is building a loving profile in the community and it offers a great example for our other churches who might be looking for community engagement opportunities:
“At the market we wanted to be a blessing to the community and engage in conversations with families and individuals so we decided to provide free activities for kids. While the kids are getting their face painted or catching ducks or playing chess we get an opportunity to chat with their parents. It is also been a conversation starter with adults. We are still experimenting on what works best, we have tried several different games/activities but realise that face painting is a real winner. We also believe that the jumping castle will be a great talking point.”
Being present at the market also helps church members engage with local mission in a meaningful way:
“Our church community is getting behind the venture and we have a constant stream of volunteers wanting to support our presence at the market.”
For more information about Light Community Baptist Church, see their website. If you are interested in exploring mission and engagement opportunities for your church community, please contact Geoff Maddock from the Mission Catalyst Team at the BUV. Geoff can also help with Community Engagement Grant enquiries – geoff.maddock@buv.com.au
Light Community Baptist Church Community Engagement
Light Community Baptist Church recently received a BUV Community Engagement grant to help boost their presence in the neighbourhood. They were able to use the resources to purchase a gazebo, face painting supplies, a banner, a large chess set, and a jumping castle.
“Across the road from the church there is a monthly community market. As a church we wanted to have a presence at the market but didn’t want to sell anything. Each month we host a stall and have a table promoting our regular church activities (playgroup, youth group, coffee club). We also have a banner advertising our church service time. “
The church is building a loving profile in the community and it offers a great example for our other churches who might be looking for community engagement opportunities:
“At the market we wanted to be a blessing to the community and engage in conversations with families and individuals so we decided to provide free activities for kids. While the kids are getting their face painted or catching ducks or playing chess we get an opportunity to chat with their parents. It is also been a conversation starter with adults. We are still experimenting on what works best, we have tried several different games/activities but realise that face painting is a real winner. We also believe that the jumping castle will be a great talking point.”
Being present at the market also helps church members engage with local mission in a meaningful way:
“Our church community is getting behind the venture and we have a constant stream of volunteers wanting to support our presence at the market.”
For more information about Light Community Baptist Church, see their website. If you are interested in exploring mission and engagement opportunities for your church community, please contact Geoff Maddock from the Mission Catalyst Team at the BUV. Geoff can also help with Community Engagement Grant enquiries – geoff.maddock@buv.com.au
Source: BUV News
Ep 102: How do I overcome my limitations | Steph Judd
We all face limitations – time, abilities and even the greatest limiter of them all: death. How can I live in light of these? A conversation with a young mum who appreciates limitations every day that will help you find value peace and purpose.
Take a day off and enjoy it
Do we really need to be told to take a day off?
What’s a good Jewish boy doing in a place like this?
One man’s journey from Judaism to Jesus