Dear Friends

I have been reading in Leviticus recently and reminded afresh of the incredible detail that God describes to Moses about the constructing of the Tabernacle and processes for the sacrificial rituals. So much is Father God interested in and keen to have his people relate well with him that he outlines in minute detail how they must prepare themselves to enjoy his holy presence.

 The people are to prepare/cleanse/purify themselves individually but always in the context of community. That is how the Bible portrays the people of God – always in community.

 As I reflect on that and my own experience of life and ministry over 34 years I can’t help but sense that our NZ church life and culture is probably a very pale and distorted demonstration of what our Heavenly Father would want for us. As our society has developed in recent decades we have become more and more individualistic and isolationist, resulting in much selfishness and carelessness. The 11.8 – 2 metre fences surrounding many suburban properties are but one glaring example.

 A couple of weeks ago in talking with someone who came to NZ a few years ago from another country they spoke of how starkly this paucity of true community stood out in their experience, citing as an example that if needing to attend to a medical emergency in the middle of the night they would have no compunction about phoning someone in their home group for assistance and it would be gladly and positively forthcoming. But here in NZ when they talked about making such arrangement the reaction was “that is what we have ambulances for” clearly conveying the message “don’t bother us”.

 Is that what Jesus would do?

 As I look at my own attitudes and approach to life I have to confess to enjoying a high degree of independence, self sufficiency, and self protection, or read “doing my own thing”.  In essence -selfishness.  And I frequently observe similar approaches and values in my brothers and sisters in Christ.

 Our church “communities” might simply be described as a collection of individuals who come together to go through a few rituals that will make us feel good about how we are worshipping God together and listening for His Word to us. Then we retreat to our own little patches of Godzone “to be family” and carry on pursuits of gaining and protecting wealth for future enjoyment by spending it on ourselves in any which way possible.

 Cynical?  Highly likely, but with more than a modicum of truth. I do not want to grow in cynicism but I would like to regain something of a true sense of community. I know it will be costly, threatening, and I will have to change my attitudes, and I will not experience the joy of true community until I let go of my self-centredness, which of course means putting others before myself.  As I example that then others might catch on too.

How is the Lenten journey going?

The 185 chairs on the grass where the Oxford Terrace Church stood was a very poignant commemoration of 22 February in Christchurch. We honour Pete Majendie and the Oxford Terrace team who created the installation and gave glory to God through its form.