Authority and Umbrellas

Call me an anarchist. But I just don’t understand this leadership/authority model.
Honestly, the meaning of the guy’s umbrella is completely interchangeable between God and Pastor. Isn’t that a problem? Doesn’t anybody else see that?
He says: “Once I get outside of God’s protection I am subject now to elements [...]

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The Worship Experience

I am perplexed.
Over the last two years I have been considering the role of the singing form of worship in church. I came from a church background where music was very important – in fact, it could easily be described as paramount – to the church service. Church without singing was inconceivable. [...]

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Prayer Synchroblog Part II

When I told my husband I was participating in the synchroblog he wanted some input.
So here it is:

[/husband's input] Probably forever.

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The M Word

I have been thinking a lot about the word ‘Missional’ lately. Becoming more missional has completely turned my life upside down. It seems a lot of other people are doing the same too, and having similar results. In fact, the blogosphere seems to be buzzing with missional conversation lately. Here is [...]

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Synchroblog: Prayer

I have been thinking about what I might have to add to the “How Do You Pray?” Synchroblog.
I guess I can start with what prayer was for me that it no longer is.
Prayer used to be a get out of jail free card. A “help me, I’m drowning!” last resort, a “God, I could really [...]

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John Butler and the Fringe

Last night was the John Butler Trio. Fantastic. The clip above shows just a tiny peek at how talented they are.
During the almost three hour concert I was looking around. Festering Hall was almost exactly as I remembered it, minus rows of chairs, plus four bars. As [...]

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Oh. My. God. The 80’s.

After Rachel’s comment yesterday, I had a strange compulsion (to my detriment) to go hunting for David Meece (thanks muchly, Rach). Oh my. The website davidmeece.com actually exists. I had the album Learning to Trust, and I realised when I played some of the excerpts from the site that I actually remember every [...]

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My Father’s Eyes

Every church child of the eighties will probably remember this song, one that I heard this morning for the first time in ages.
Amy Grant. Father’s Eyes.
Some lyrics for the uninitiated:

I may not be every mothers dream for her little girlAnd my face may not grace the mind of everyone in the worldBut thats all [...]

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Going, going, gone! to the gentleman in the tweed hat

OK, hopefully nobody who attends will have awful enough fashion sense to wear a tweed hat, but I’d love to let you know about an auction that is coming up in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne.
It is to benefit Kidslink, who do some fantastic work in third world countries, especially focusing on the destitute children [...]

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The Real Jesus #2

Have a look at Glenn’s very thoughtful response to the clip I posted yesterday.

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The real Jesus

Here is a youtube clip I found of Michael Frost. Listening to one of his CD’s was what threw me out of my comfy life and pushed me into this journey. I highly recommend that you listen to some of what he has to say. CDs and DVDs can be purchased through [...]

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Of snow-globes and glass houses

You’ve heard the saying “People in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones”, right?
Well, I figure people shouldn’t throw stones at glass houses either.
In the past I have been a habitual stone-thrower. The answers to the Sorry meme remind me of just how many. With every stone aimed, somebody’s house has come crashing down. And I am [...]

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A Little Linkiness

So, to some great stuff that has been happening in the blogosphere:
It seems my blog name is very apt. Emerging Grace blogged about Deconstruction while obviously taking a peek into my brain.
Faintnot manages to sum up my entire blog in one post.
Barry at Honest Faith continues the series Things That Aren’t in the Bible.
Lee [...]

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Please help!

For once I’m asking for something from my readers. I need some help.
I received an email today from an 18 year old girl who lives in Carrollton, Dallas, Texas. She has been through a painful break away from her church, and needs somewhere to begin her healing.
Since I’m in Australia, I have absolutely no idea [...]

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A Dip Into the Archives

I’ve been going back and reading some of my old posts lately. Some of them are scary to read. Some of them are exactly how I still feel now. Some bring back wonderful memories.
For those who (like me) don’t have time to trawl through archives, here are some of my old posts [...]

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Posters (part 2)

My real group of posters, now that I’ve got the need for humour out of my system.
And my own personal favourite:

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Posters (part 1)

With all this poster-making going around I thought I’d give it a shot.
Disclaimer: No offense is meant by any of these posters. They are JOKES, people!
My next post will be some more thoughtful posters. Promise.

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Why must there be a label?

I am increasingly aware of the amount of emergent-bashing there is on various blogs and forums. The warnings are dire. Stay away from the emerging church or you will become a hellbound sinner who cares nothing about the bible and is only interested in mysticism and having a good time.
It’s incredible – and [...]

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More posters

Following Grace’s posters that I linked to last week are Bob’s. I’ll reproduce some here. Just because I can.

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Most Ignored Bible Passage In Christendom #2

Matthew 25:31-40, as promised. Permit me to pull the pulpit out for a moment and grace you with a five-point sermon.
Not really. Never done a five-point sermon in my life. Not planning on starting now.
I have read this scripture, honestly, a hundred times. Perhaps more. And I have heard it [...]

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