Unlikely conversations in unlikely places

Since moving to Aspley (Nottingham) I have joined a local football team, The Beacon. I have only started one game so far and came on as sub in the others. Saturday I should have started but because we had a water leak in our dining room so had to hang about whilst a friend sorted out for us (I am not safe to be doing plumbing). As a result I was late and couldn't start the match so was on the side lines as sub.

I was a little annoyed but it was one of those things. Yet, I was soon to find out as to why I was on the bench. During the first half I got chatting to one of the girl friends of our team. She told me that they are expecting a baby in April 09. She knew that I was a minister at the SA and so asked me if I would dedicate their baby next year. I said I would and that it would be an honour to do so. Not only that her boy friends mum comes to our parents and toddlers each week and her brother is the teams manager.

You never know when an opportunity might arise. Kepping looking for them.

Matt

Thinking Global, Acting Local

Yesterday we had our Harvest Celebration which was a lot of fun (even though I did it). I realised that being ethical can actually be a lot of fun. The church really took to what was put to them, so much so that they now want a church goat!!! Bearing in mind we are in urban Nottingham with a side allay for it to live, it didn't seem like the most appropriate idea. Other idea (slightly more realistic) included Solar Panels, energy saving light bulbs, turning down the heating, fair trade tea and coffee and even a church allotment.

However from that we have decided to buy a cow with the money we would spend at Christmas! This may not seem an awful lot or will make a huge difference but it is the beginnings of our church to "think global, act local." What we do locally has an effect on our world globally, so anything we seek to do for the common good must be worth while. There are obvious dangers that buy a cow and not fully realise the impact it can have, it could be a one off and our lifestyles don't change as a result. As a small, urban, relatively well off church we have a responsibility to look different from what our society demands from us. It's part of our mission as Gods people to care for the world and seek to restore it to the state he gave it to us in.

Matt