Q&A Sessions and Guest Blog Posts

Have a recommendation for a Q&A session or a guest blog post?

Q&A Sessions will be geared towards Ministry Leaders - questions are focused on their journey as a Christ-Follower, Their Current Ministry, and the kind of Artists they would like to connect with.

You can find the first Q&A here --- quite lengthy, so there is a link to the printable version, which may be easier on the eyes too! The second Q&A is also up (PDF version is here).

Blog Posts (or Guest Bloggers): For Artists wanting to share something specific (maybe it's a devotional or a personal anecdote)

Send a message though the general CRAM Small Groups email: cramsmallgroups @ ymail . com (note the address has been slightly altered to prevent spam. Don't forget to delete the spaces in between after you 'copy and paste') or Twitter by using #BlogCC (if you prefer to send a DM, just follow the CRAM Connect account, and wait for the follow back before sending your message.).

- Leigh

Q&A Session 2: Richard Maegraith

“Richard talks about his involvement with Muso Hang, personal principles of how he seeks God’s guidance, and effectiveness of Small Groups (having them alongside Church and being involved in them)”

[For the PDF version of this Q&A click HERE]

  

THE NOW

Leigh Lim: Can You Tell me about ‘Muso Hang’? Who are you aiming to reach?

Richard Maegraith: It’s a kind of, I suppose, ministry towards musicians, that I’m doing. In terms of it being Christ-Centred and for evangelism and artistic purposes. It is a mixture between a party, jam session, and a church service. Those are the three components. I, or someone else does some kind of Bible talk. What is different is that the Bible talk is focused on connecting with musicians, and trying to find things that will resonate with them. 

And so I’ll often, find a secular song with the lyrics shown (by reading them or giving people a copy of them), and do my best to find out the intention of the songwriter or the lyricist. Whether it is grief, loss, shame, anger or injustice --- whatever it might be. The kind of “heart’s cry” --- and find one passage in the Bible, usually something that Jesus has said, or how Jesus has dealt with those things, in the Bible and His ministry.

So, I’m trying to make these Bible talks as relevant and accessible to non-churchy people as possible. Basically Muso Hang is a parachurch, in which it focuses on a specific group of people, and works alongside the Church. Some missiologoists would call this the Homogenous Unit Principle. In contrasts and works as a servant to the church (which includes everyone rich, poor, old, young, different backgrounds,etc...).

LL: What other ministries are you involved with?

RM: I’m currently an assistant minister in an Anglican Church, so I preach, lead bible studies, meet with people, etc. Also I play music and sing at Church weekly, in the morning and in the evening services. Though the thing that is closest to my heart is my wife and family, so they are my first ministry.

WHAT HAS SHAPED HIM

LL: What was your Christian Journey like?

RM: I was actually brought up in a home where my mum was a Christian and dad wasn’t, so it was a semi-Christian setting. We went to church, but I always thought being a Christian was about trying to be a good person. Then when I was 19, I discovered that Jesus is Lord and that I should repent. Until then, not knowing it, I'd struggled with music and myself being my god, you know, as a musician, wanting myself to be known and things like that. 

After becoming a Christian, I didn’t know how to fit in the Church, largely because of the unspoken criticism of music in church leading to idolatry. So mediocrity reigned. It was a very confusing time for me Another thing that made it particularly challenging was the music that I played and loved was jazz. Not ‘worship’ music, which every other Christian seemed to love. It didn't resonate with me. (Still doesn't on a musical level at least). At the time, I had a number of friends from Pentecostal backgrounds and I was encouraged by their freedom to pursue music and the arts with excellence for the glory of God and building up of believers. 

I had a revelation in 2005 where I believe the Lord wanted me to remain a musician to glorify him, but in a secular context - to share the good news of Jesus with musos and others who wouldn’t come into a church building. That’s how the Muso Hang largely came about.

LL: Are there any particular books you’ve read, or people you’ve connected with ----- that has influenced your growth (personally and spiritually)?

RM: Mission to Islam and Beyond, Wrath of God's Love, Man of Dust, Man of Glory. For me, I’m not much of a book reader, so I’d say, people more than books. One particular person I’d mention is John Dunn, he mentored me for a number of years. He passed away suddenly last December.

LL: Sorry to hear that John has passed away. So in light of his memory and life, is there one thing that kept coming up during your time with him?

RM: One thing that he instilled in me was: “There is nothing we can do of ourselves, to win favour with God". And then he'd illustrate this by talking about our imaginary 'DIY Justification Kit’ that we all have. Because when you are led astray, or struggle with something, and incur guilt and shame Christ, you have two options: One would be to repent and believe that your sins are forgiven, and the other would be to try and justify yourself before God and others (hence the ‘DIY Justification Kit’).

We either walk in Christ's forgiveness or return to guilt living with the rest of the world. I think we as Christians can live much of our lives trying to justify ourselves, whilst still doctrinally holding to ‘justification by faith alone’.

CONNECTING

LL: Are you part of a small group?

RM: Yes, I lead a couple of groups, one with mixed ages and genders and a men’s group.

LL: What do you think are the benefits of being in a small group?

RM: When you are in a small group, people are more likely to share what’s going on in their lives. Small groups also are an opportunity to build friendships, and it gives more interaction. There are also some people that learn better in small groups, through discussion and sharing.

LL: Do you think small groups are an extension of Church?

RM: I actually think small groups are an expression of church, because two or 3 people gathered in Jesus’ name (Matthew 18:20) is the church meeting. I’d also say that small groups are vital to any church, anywhere.

LL: What’s your personal routine when seeking God’s guidance?

RM: No Routine.

I do have principles though:

• Read God’s Word expectantly
• Pray expectantly
• Talk to godly people
• Ask questions as to how this prospect/decision might glorify God
• Look at my current circumstances

“God hasn’t brought me this far to leave me” so says a song I like. Is God moving me in a new direction? New chapter or am I to perservere with the current circumstances? Keep praying.

• Make a decision in full faith for God’s glory

LL: What would your advice be to Artists who are trying to find out which ministry they should be involved in?

RM: I guess it is no different if you were any other person in Church, as ministry is about service. "Love God and do what you want", I guess.  When in ministry, it is about dying to yourself. Don’t go into ministry ‘to find yourself’. You come to Jesus to find yourself. You go into ministry to serve others with the life and hope you have found in Jesus.

My advice would be:

• Look at where God’s gifted you (what you love doing and asking others you trust where they think you’re gifted)
• Dedicate it to God and keep assessing it, asking godly people to help with feedback.

So, think about what you love to do. If you love to bake cakes, bake cakes; if you love to sing, get good at it, get some lessons. However, for upfront ministry (like singing), it has to be good and not distracting. No visitor is not going to come to church again just because a cake tastes a bit too sugary, but if someone’s poorly singing and leading, it may be the last time we see that visitor.

Another thing I’d like to mention is respecting people in authority. As Aussies, we have a tendency to prize egalitarian values. Whilst the bible has demonstrations of egalitarianism (Galatians 3:28), there are also clear instructions to respect elders and leaders in the church (Heb 13:17). So, we need to be ready to accept loving criticism and leadership that may reduce or qualify, or not give us the ministry we think we should be doing. Remember it's about service. Philippians 2.

LL: Well Richard, I really appreciate your time, and thank you for sharing. I was able to learn a lot more about you because of this chat.

RM: You’re welcome. And thank you for persisting [scheduling the Q&A], I know I’ve been very busy.

* Richard MaeGraith is a working musician (saxophonist) and a part-time pastor with Marrickville Rd Church and also runs with a team, the Muso Hang, approximately every 8 weeks. Richard is also featured in  Con Campbell's book: 'Outreach and the Artist'

Source Material and Notes: The material posted is based a phone conversation (June 2013) between Richard MaeGraith and Leigh Lim. Subsequent additions and corrections have been provided by Richard MaeGraith.  Content has been edited for length, and the final version has been reviewed and approved by the interviewee before being posted.

Q&A Session 1: Ian McGilvray

“Ian talks about his walk with Christ, his hopes for ministry, and particular groups he is hoping to connect with.” 

[For the PDF version of this Q&A click HERE]

  

THE NOW

Leigh Lim: What ministry are you involved in at the moment?

Ian McGilvray: I guess at the moment, I am in-between ministries. I mean this week, I’m finishing my course, and my wife and I are in the process of moving up to the Blue Mountains --- and we’re starting to connect with the Christian community up here. The shape of our ministry would adapt to what God’s got in mind for us up in the mountains.

I’m also involved with Robert Menzies College, which is a residential college at Macquarie University --- I’m on the board of that college. We provide accommodation for a lot of overseas students at the university. We’ve also got a chapel, and help people from other countries (and other parts of Australia) understand the Gospel. So my current ministry, in a formal sense, is my role in Robert Menzies College, and as we move up here then see what the Lord has.

I’d be keen to meet with Christians who have different artistic abilities, particularly in visual arts, and encourage them.

LL: As an Artist, what do you currently spend your time on?

IM: At the moment, I keep in practice by drawing people figures. I also do some reading to develop ideas, and my current reading is a Christian book on ‘Restorative Justice’, which is the process of healing broken relationships--- for example: when  a crime has been committed.

I’ve come from a conference recently called ‘Compassionate Justice’ which seeks to find the Christian perspective (through the ‘Parable of the Prodigal Son’) on what do we do about our justice system, about criminals. How do we understand what’s the role of putting people in gaol, what do we think it should achieve.

I’ve also done some research on Asylum Seekers. So I think at the moment it’s a period of research, which I in turn would end up turning into a series of paintings.

LL: Would you gravitate towards a specific topic? Then work on an inspiration from there?

IM: It’s probably both, there isn’t a conscious topic.

LL: What medium do you gravitate towards? And if you had more time (as an Artist), what would you spend it on?

IM: Probably Oil Painting. If I had more time, I’d probably spend more time travelling and drawing, then bring those drawings back and then develop them into paintings.

LL: Is it pretty different doing sketches, rather than just taking photographs?

IM: Yes, I think it is important to sketch on location because you may bring a photograph home, but it may not show what really caught your eye while you were there.

LL: Would it be more of a locational thing? Would you say that if they were in Sydney it would be great, but if they were further out, maybe it might be difficult?

IM: Oh, well, we’ll just have to see how it works out. Thought it seems geographically people are not that far away, but with the internet, I might set up a blog site of a way to encourage people online. We just have to see what God does.

  

WHAT HAS SHAPED HIM

LL: In terms of your walk with Christ, can you give us a rundown of where you were, where you are now, and where you want to be? ([Including] the changes that has happened.)

IM: I came to Christ when I was quite young, fourteen. My early Christian life was getting to know the Lord Jesus and to read His Word, to understand what God’s purpose is for the world and His purpose is with me would be. To understand what God is doing and so I could find my place in it. A lot of it was understanding that my life made sense in God, and all things that I would do in life had to be for His Glory, and that He would show me the focus of my life.

I went into Architecture in university, and at that time reading a fair bit about a group called the  L'Abri Fellowship in Switzerland with Francis Schaeffer, and Christian books about ‘calling’ and using your gifts, your vocation for God ---- and the fact that all the world belongs to God. And so, He wants His Church, His people to be ‘salt and light’, and to make a difference wherever He puts us. As a young Christian, I was trying to understand how within the field of Architecture how I could be God’s person.

Then in my late twenties I got married to Jill, which was wonderful. That opened up in my Christian walk sharing with another person and working out what it would be as a couple and as a family. So in the early years we were working out what would be a practical way to be God’s person in a largely Non-Christian culture. I didn’t have time to focus on my art, mostly in my career in Architecture, raising a family, and being a member of the local Church.

In later years, as our children were a bit older, my wife and I had a bit more time to think about and make sure that we could not lose sight of God, and it’s tough when you’re raising a family. Also my job was very demanding, I had a senior role as an architect, long hours --- I had to work out how to make sure that the job wasn’t dominating all of my time and my energy. And at some point I should spend more time developing the gift of art that God has given me, and not just see it as a sideline or a minor issue. Which led, in about 2010, I decided to stop Architecture and go to full time study at university in fine art. With the intention to see if I could, after training in that, develop a central framework [and see how I could be used by God] in the contemporary art world ----- to be salt and light as a contemporary artist.

Before, I hadn’t really had a lot of contact with contemporary artists.  I enjoyed art, my own private art, reading books and stuff. I hadn’t met a lot of artists, [so the university was a good place] to connect with people who are active in visual arts.

LL: [Was] there a particular time in your life [when] you noticed spiritual and personal growth? And what did you think contributed to it?

IM: I think it was when I was reading the Bible and I understood God’s bigger plan, that all things really centre on Christ. And that all of the created order that we live in and all of the relationships, the whole purpose of human history for God, is to worship Him and come to Jesus.

In the early years as I was studying the Bible and reading Christian books, from Francis Schaeffer and others, that was a real spiritual moment because I had a vision that anything that happens in life is important to God. Not just Church on Sunday or Christians being in one corner. I can see that everything matters to God and we have to be His people of salt and light.

Other times of spiritual growth would be was when I turned 50 years old, and my wife said to me: “I wonder if we’re both planning our married life so that our passion [is] for God and that we’ve got enough vision.” And I realised that I’ve lost some of my passion, not for Love of God, but in terms of letting God’s Spirit give us a job to do that would have lasting impact. I thought that, maybe it’s easy to slip into being too busy at work, too busy with this and that, than what God wants to achieve and the big picture. So when I turned 50 I really resolved that I would take seriously the art, the gift of art. Not for my purposes, not to make me be important, but to put myself in God’s Hands.

Then just recently I’ve been able to connect with other younger Christians that have a real vision from God to make a difference in the Non-Christian community. There are a lot of people who don’t know the Lord Jesus, [and] are very intelligent, and thoughtful people, and are not being reached for Christ. My wife and I have a real vision to be a part of a community of Christians connecting with Non-Christians and loving them.

LL: Are there specific books that you think were very helpful for your Christian Growth?

IM: Some books that have helped me develop a Christian framework for art include:

• ·        Outreach and the Artist by Con Campbell, Zondervan 2013 (there is an interview with me in this recent book)
• ·        Visual Faith: Art, theology and worship in dialogue, by William Dyrness,  Baker Academic 2001
• ·        It Was Good: Making art to the glory of god, edited by Ned Bustard, Square Halo Books, 2006
• ·        Modern Art and the Death of a Culture, by H.R. Rookmaaker, Inter Varsity Press, 1970
• ·        Art and the Bible, by Francis Schaeffer,  Inter Varsity Press, 1979
• ·        Addicted to Mediocrity, by Franky Schaeffer, Cornerstone books, 1981
• ·        State of the Arts: From Bezalel to Mapplethorpe, by gene Veith, Crossway Books, 1991
• ·        The Arts in Your Church, by Fiona Bond, Piquant, 2001

LL: With the books you mentioned, were they collected throughout the years?

 IM: Yeah, some of them may not be in print anymore, though you may be able to find them in second hand shops.

LL: Among the books you mentioned, is there a specific one that really speaks to you? Do you go back to any of them often?

IM: I suppose there’s the one (‘And It Was Good') which has a chapter by Tim, a pastor in New York City. That book has been a real inspiration and a resource. And also there’s the little book, a little tiny leaflet, ‘Art and the Bible’ Francis Schaeffer.

There are many Christian books that have affected me, separate from the topic of visual arts. I also get inspiration from Poetry, one would be [Gerard] Manley Hopkins is particularly profound as he shares his life struggles in Poetry. Also the writings of CS Lewis, in fact my wife and I are going to England for a CS Lewis Tour.

LL: Are there Bible verses that resonate with you?

IM: One of the most powerful for me in the Bible would be Ephesians 2:10: ‘We are God’s workmanship…’. We are God’s artwork, we are a work in progress, it’s a wonderful verse, and it shows us that God’s actually changing us to His likeness. I don’t think it is addressed to an individual, I think it is addressed to both the individual and the Church Community. That an artist doesn’t work in isolation, but in partnership with the Church. So that’s probably my very favourite! (laughs)

Another one would be a well known one, which is ‘you are the light of the world’ and ‘you are the salt’ [Matthew 5:3-16]. So those two images of Jesus, being salt and light, is absolutely vital and gives you a pursuit if you’re an artist, a butcher or whatever you do in a job sense, God wants his people to be salt and light. And that applies very much to art.

Another one is 1 Corinthians 10:31, which is to do everything for the glory of God. That affected me that the ultimate aim of every drawing and painting is to give glory to God.

The other is Romans 12:2 where we have our minds renewed, and art is to explore the way which God’s Kingdom is different to this world, and how he makes us see His hand and see things differently through the Holy Spirit. An artist is trying to share with other people things which are not easily seen.

So those verses mean a lot to me.

  

CONNECTING

LL: Do you think the time you spent [going through] the corporate route, and having art in the background,[ made you realise that] Art was the gift, rather than Architecture?

 IM: That’s a good question. I think that Architecture is also a creative profession and it’s all about shaping the built environment around us. As an Architect, I thought about serving God by designing buildings that are well made, that they had beauty, order, and reflected God’s character. I thought from a young age that our working life was also an area to worship God and to serve God. I always thought Architecture was valuable in God’s hands.

But, I thought that it was unfortunate that I was neglecting Art, and it’s easy to neglect things like art. I [also] thought what would it really look like if I pursued that for God. And for a long time I put that off because financially I thought that it would be very hard thing to do. So it was only until later life I was able to do that.

LL: Was is a bit like saying to God: ‘God, I feel like you’re telling me to jump, and I’m gonna jump.’?

IM: Yeah, that’s right. Take a risk. Because, none of my friends have really done that. So I didn’t have any role models to follow. It was a bit like jumping. A leap of faith! (laughs)

LL: At the moment are you part of a Small group?

IM: We used to have a small group with young adults at our church at St. Matthews Anglican Church, West Pennant Hills. It was a Bible Study group with particular focus to encourage people in various creative areas. We finished that group up because we are moving to the Blue Mountains.

LL: Before that, was there another group you were a part of?

IM: Yes, we’ve always had a regular weekly study group

LL: How do you think being a part of that group help you grow as a Christian and your fellowship with others?

IM: With small groups, it helps because you can study scripture with other people, and how God’s Word applies to your current situation --- to the pressures you face at work, relationship issues, or planning for the future. It’s a great way of bring reading of the Bible to a very practical discussion. The other thing great about small groups is that it’s great support in prayer for you, to encourage you in your faith, and strength when times are hard.

LL: In terms of opening up, do you have to wait until you get to a point that you’re comfortable in opening up? Or do you just have to open up?

IM: It takes awhile to build up that trust and confidence. With our small group, we’ve been meeting for many, many years. We knew each other well, and could open up and be honest about where our Christian Life is up to.

LL: Did you have any activities that didn’t directly relate to reading the Bible or Theological discussions? Was there a bowling night?

IM: Oh yeah, Every so often we’d usually have a barbeque meal together. Sometimes we might go out to a joint event. Mostly we’d have a social event every 4-5 months which would be a barbeque just to relax together.

LL: Because life isn’t just about reading the Bible, it’s also about connecting with others.

IM: Yeah, it’s about sharing life, and the day to day stuff of life. I think the great thing about fellowship is you share those everyday moments together and that’s what makes it so rewarding.

LL: In terms of the ministry that you’ve been hoping to be involved with, is there something at the back of your mind that’s been there awhile?

IM: Well, one of them is to help young people (school age), who might be doing art. And I’d love to help them integrate it with their Christian Faith, in a young age. ‘Cause I think the earlier in one’s Christian life that you can integrate the gifts God’s given you and the nature of God’s calling for you, the better.

LL: For Artists that are looking for other Artists to connect with --- are you open to people who would like to find you online?

IM: Yeah, since I have been focused on completing my university course, I haven’t been putting much time in seeking out other groups. I’d be quite keen to be available. At the moment email is my preferred option. Probably next year, I’ll get into Facebook.

LL: It’s interesting that sometimes some people go into a decision and really have a passion for it, but sometimes what happens is they fail to ask themselves: “Have I spoken to God about it?”

IM: Yeah

LL: “Have I said to God: ‘this is what I’m really passionate about, what do You think?’ “

IM: Yes, because His purposes are the best for us. And so if its just our ideas, about how to steer our life, then that can go in the wrong direction. But if we really wait on God, His purposes are fantastic. And at different times, that has been clearer to myself, when I’ve just let go of control of my life and see what God would have me do, and that is a time for growth. And when you look back over the years, the things that you would delight [most] in your life, was by God’s Grace when He’s used us to build His Kingdom. And all the other things about [having a] successful career or making money or being popular…

LL: You’re right, and recognise that you really want God to manage your life. It’s mind-blowing and very scary, because you really don’t know what’s going to happen.

IM: The Non-Christian world tells us you’ve got to steer your own life, and your own way. God’s way is certainly different, as we constantly take risks. We find it hard, but that’s when we grow.

LL: Yes, That’s right. Just like what you were saying earlier, that God has the ultimate vision for our lives. He knows us better than we do. (laughs)

 IM: Yeah…yeah…

LL: And since [our intelligence is limited] the only way [our vision] could be supersized is if we involve God, [and sometimes the result is] something that we wouldn’t expect. Contacts from places we didn’t expect to find people.

IM: Yeah, that’s right. And we’ve got to be like putty in His hands. Often we’re not (laughs)

LL: The biggest thing I’ve noticed [that keeps us from giving ourselves completely to God] is pride. That gets in the way, because [our usual reaction] is: ‘If I put myself in that situation, it’ll be embarrassing for me!’

IM: That’s right. And we [should ask] ourselves: “Well, is it better to have pride? Or to be part of God’s great project?” Pride is very destructive, it robs us of God’s ways.

LL: What would your advice be to those who are trying to work out the main things they should spend their time on? To people who are asking: “How should I spend my time?”

 IM: I think the best way to make the most out of your time, its really old-fashioned, is to spend time each day with God in prayer, reading His Word, and to ask God: ‘What would You have me do this day? What would You have me do with my life?’ and to make that a regular habit. Then you’ll get the self-discipline to work it out. Often we focus on the techniques on how to do more, and [these techniques are good] but first of all its a relationship with Him, to sit at His feet. I think if we are constantly coming back to scripture and to prayer.

LL: and for those who are looking at it as an investment, it is much better to put in regular time with God because of the [what] you get back. [Lets say] you have a hundred things to do, and after spending time with God, He might say: “Just do those two things”, and as a result of that answer, you’re likely to save a number of hours at least.

 IM: Just like with Mary and Martha, there is a time for everything.

LL: What’s the main thing you’d like for creatives to hear?

IM: There’s two things. One is for creative people to find in scripture that God’s purposes very much relates to His creation, and part of it is how we connect with who we are as people and the creation around us. When we take a look at the Old Testament and God commissioned artists for the Tabernacle use of creative gifts.

Firstly I want creative people to be excited about the fact that in scripture we find that God’s purposes is very much involved creativity and He wants to use creative skills. The other thing I like for creative friends to see is the great need of creative people in our society who are Non-Christians ---- they are often hungry to know the meaning of life, and are trying to find it through art and performing.

LL: It really is about connecting with people isn’t it? Like you mentioned before, in terms of creatives, sometimes there’s a certain group of people that only creatives can reach.

IM: Yeah, and if God’s given us creative abilities, as a Christian, then we have a responsibility just like the parable of the talents. Not just giving those gifts for the heck of it, (laughs) He’s given them for a particular reason and that is His great love for us and for the Non-Christians. What He’s really saying is: “I’ve given you a gift, what have you done with it?”

* Ian McGilvray is a painter based in Blue Mountains and sits on the board of the Robert MenziesCollege. Ian is also an Architect and previously spent most of his time in the corporate world, before moving into an arts degree.

More on Ian:

• Ian’s ‘Open House Interview’ (via Hope 103.2’s Podcast Archive)
• Ian’s Article titled 'Art with Heart' in Zadok Perspectives magazine (No. 118)
• View Ian’s one page CV here 
• Contact him through the general CRAM Small Groups email: cramsmallgroups @ ymail . com (note the address is slightly altered to prevent spam)

Source Material and Notes: The material posted is based on two phone conversations (June 2013) between Ian McGilvray and Leigh Lim. Content has been edited for length, and the final version has been reviewed and approved by the interviewee before being posted.

Want a printable version to take with you? Get it here

Small Groups

I am currently in the process of looking a venue for 'meet and greet' gatherings, and also future venues for Small Group Meetings.

* For Cafe/Retaurant Owners looking to put their venue forward, let me know. [Events would be posted to Noticeboard, and possibly be announced on-air.]

At the moment Public Venues like:

• Sydney Opera House - by the Steps
• Olympic Park - Various Areas

Would be the location of choice. :)

For Dates, Times, and Venues ---- keep an eye on 103.2's Noticeboard. Looking forward to see you there!

- L

Location...Location...Location...

The CRAM Small Group Card Batches are now out...and are settling at:

1.) Rallyequip - 513-515 Gt Western Hwy, PENDLE HILL, NSW
 * Gavin has generously provided a space at their reception desk for the cards to sit.

2.) Christian Fellowship Tours - 91 Barton Street, Katoomba. NSW
* Below is a snap from Micheal of the cards:

3.)  Koorong (West Ryde) - 28 West Parade, West Ryde NSW
* Obtained approval (17 Dec 2011) from one of the Branch Managers to have the cards displayed at the counter

Currently the cards are displayed at the information counter:

4.) Morsels Cafe - 4 Celebration Drive, Bella Vista, NSW (9836 5122)

* Thanks to Guy for the complimentary card holder

(Watch this space! more to come...as the cards get sent out)

Need a couple of contact cards to keep in case you come across people to hand them to? Or to put at the front desk of your venue/organisation? Let us know!

- LL

The Importance of Community

I really liked these recent video promos by Lifechurch that shows why we need community:

• Two-Gather - Week 1 Promo
• Two-Gather - Week 2 Promo
• Two-Gather

The thought I took from those promos: 'Sharing Life with people in the right community, makes life easier, fun, and fulfilling'

Pastor Craig Groeschel speaks in Part 1

Also settling with a community enables you to be challenged. Isn't it much effective to be woken up by an actual person, than by an alarm clock? I say 'effective' rather than 'easier'...because it effectiveness that gets things done (yes...press that 'snooze' button again...will you?).

Ah...and I hear you saying....'what about the downsides?'. Of course like all human relationships, being in a community isn't perfect, but in the long run, it is definitely worth it.

Statistics support community too. Which was eloquently and simply put (in less than 5 minutes) by Richard St. John.

You succeed...because of the people around you. And as a bonus...by letting them be there for you...you in turn...get a chance speak into their lives too. And when a relationship with Christ is at the centre of that...amazing things happen. 

I'm Looking forward to hear about the positive things that have happened in your life that would not have happened if you weren't encouraged by another person.

- LL