A Nativity Story

I have been thinking a lot about the Nativity Story, not because it's Christmas but because in a little over two week we head over the hill to Blenheim to be part of the Parish of the Nativity, where I'll be associate Priest. The Nativity story I am thinking about relates then to a Church that has boomed and somewhat lot its way over the last few years. My hope and I believe my commission is to help them and join them as they re-focus re-gather themselves and re-engage with their community. It's a story about re-birth and the hope that Christ brings –it's going to be an adventure and certainly a story full of hope.

Why Calvinism explains the world well

I have just been conversing with a person over what appeals to me about Calvinism – I guess for me it explains the world well and pictures God in a way that makes sense of Pauls and the gospel writer interpretation of the Incarnation, life, death and resurrection.

I think also I've found it really helpful in ministry, the assurance that God is sovereign and therefore somehow in control of the mess helps me,

Pastorally – "shit happens"

Missiologically - "shit happens, but here is shovels to clean up even though I know that shit will still happen"

Discipleship – "shit happens – please learn to use a toilet"

I should make this a footer for my emails… a new image of youth ministry – potty training.