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preaching? story telling?

 had a reasonable amount of fun Sunday morning at church. I was invited to deliver the word. I have obviously spent many years preaching to a congregation whether they like it or not. As a pastor vicar role there is a certain relationship you have with your congregation, you are called to lead then on a journey together hopefully. My role here in South Africa is different and that was part of the attraction of the church Erin and I attend now called Salt. The church does not have any paid leadership and I am not on the leadership team and it has been an interesting time after spending so many years as a responsible church leader. I am invited to share the word and sometimes the leading of communion.

I now take the role in preaching as someone on a Christian journey and share some of my journey with my brothers and sisters, it feels more personally revealing, possibly more risky. 

This Sunday I shared how I have three scripture readings on the wall of my workshop. They are there to remind me the workshop is a sacred space, its a place I spend with my co workers and God. The readings remind me of how I could live under Gods grace. 

The first one is below Jeremiah 30:22

I discovered some of its depth with the teaching of Walter Brueggemann, that in its self reminds me I am not on my own but make this journey with others assisting me along the way. That God is more for me than I for him and there is something certain in his promises that I need. 


The second is below its the words of Jesus from Mark. 

This is the Message version, it reminds me all of me is called to follow Jesus not just selected bits of me. It reminds me Jesus calls me too look outwards to love others but also inwards to love myself. How I can love others in and through my workshop is as important to me as knowing my value in God.

and finally 

I cannot boast to know all Eckart talks about but he has been influential on me in recent years. Eckhart reminds me of my journey of mystery a journey of change. When I think I have God in a box Eckhart reminds me how big God is and that language is useful but futile in understanding God. This quote reminds me I often collect things and Christ calls us to leave and let go of things, so that he may fill us with his mysterious love. 

so no preaching just sharing where I am on my journey.    



 
        

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