Pine Rivers Uniting Church

I’ve been thinking lately about the ideas of unity in the church and authenticity in our relationships.  It seems to me that unity in the church is desirable and indeed something that is written about a fair bit in the Bible.

Not all disagreement however, is a sign of disunity.  Someone once said that if two people in a relationship never have a disagreement, you have to wonder which one is doing the thinking.  I think the same applies to relationships within churches.

In the forty years I have spent in churches it seems to me that too often people strive for “unity” by ditching authenticity in our relationships.  How can true unity thrive when people are afraid to be true to themselves and be honest about their understanding and beliefs even when they differ from what appears to be the consensus.

I think that Christians get a bad name, to some extent, because many relate only on a superficial level.  Connecting at a level where we can really share our burdens is not as common in churches as it could be or should be.

Is it safe to tell you my problems?  Can I trust you not to judge me in regard the things I struggle with?  Is it ok not to have it all together, to be weak, to have doubts and fears, to show you my pain, to tell my story of hurts suffered at the hands of those who claim to love as Jesus did?

Only 2 days to Christmas! The decorations are all up. The house is clean for Christmas Day’s big events (well nearly). The boys excitedly hung their stockings up this morning in the hope of something filling them.

What hope does Christmas bring for the future for you?

Only 1 week to go. I know in my house my 2 little boys are getting pretty excited and I bet they would have many answers to this question. In fact I know they do! But what about you? What is the greatest gift you could receive this Christmas?

Brett

Only 16 days to Christmas! This week’s sermons asked the question: “What would the nativity scene look like if it happenned today?” There are a couple of simple 1 word responses on the graffitti wall outside church including: Madness, Messy, and Wrong as well as some interesting sketches.

What’s your response?

Welcome to the Christmas 2007 Blogg. Each Sunday from now until Christmas we’ll be reflecting on different assumptions, perceptions and challenges relating to Christmas, and we’ll post a new theme or challenge here on the Blog for you to add your own thoughts and ideas to.

So what is your response to this week’s question? “What needs to grow inside you this Christmas?”

Welcome to Pine Rivers Uniting Church!  Blogging will begin shortly….