Echoes...

:o) This year's been about not just receiving calls to action but also answering those calls to action so far. Sivin's hinted at oh, I don't know...somewhere on the internet ;o) that it might be nice if someone shared some reflections about the rumblings from our new life group that currently happens on Wednesdays at his place. I thought I'd oblige to that call to action... *hehe*

"My mind was wondering about some floating insights and ideas I might post on with titles like Ugly Christians, Lazy Christians, Busy Christians, Crazy Christians :-) I think it was inspired by Ugly Malaysians :-(

Tonight, we had a good time at our "resurrected" LiFE Group (with Baptism/Affimation Class elements thrown in) and then there would be another set of titles Curious Christians, Laughing Christians, Beautiful Christians, energizing Christians. :-)

I really enjoyed seeing the two smaller groups asking questions and workin on their sample answers around issues raised on the Bible. It's kind of allowing people to try out their "Beta" version answers and then fine-tuning it or even correcting the trial and error answers. Of course, the process is less linear but then it's rewarding. If any one of them blogs about it. It would be interesting to see it from their point of view (*hint hint*)

Finally, I've come to the place where I learnt the first basic moves for the "famous" tambourine dance "Full Gospel move". It was pretty fun (of course we didn't use tambourines). And when we sang the African song together especially when we could manage two parts. Something raw emerged in the simplicity of worship .. which later was I think pretty beautiful later when we moved into the classic "Abba Father".

I was delighted when I saw Gareth just smile at us when we were singing the African song and then later join us in and out of the meeting. At least when the meeting is held here in the house we stay in (note: not our house *grin*) he's close by to Papa.

Well ... it's been a pretty good night.

Good night!"

*That's from Sivin's blog - http://sivinkit.net/*

I echo Sivin's sentiments about enjoying the session where our 2 small groups took turns thinking of, writing, answering and sharing questions about the Holy Bible as it is, not about Bible verses or content. Here at BLC, we're blessed to have a Pastor who's innovative with his methods, always open to experimenting and adjusting when it comes to getting through to people; yet at the same time, mindful of not swaying from what's really important and what God really wants out of us. Some people might start 'playing God' when it comes to methods, but not Sivin :)

Well, anyway, this new life group we've formed seems headed in the right direction. There is a mix of enthusiasm, passion, curious and tender hearts and like-mindedness. It's good to see the 'newbies' right in the thick of the action, participating, asking many questions, initiating conversations, even taking charge of the sessions at times and to our pleasant surprise, even taking light-hearted jibes at us 'oldies' of the group! ;o)

On the Wednesday night that just went by, Sivin conducted our the 1st Baptism class for the new hearts whereas it served as the 1st of the refresher classes for us old and older hearts. Sivin co-ordinated 2 groups of 4 people each in writing a list of questions about the Bible and the groups had to exchange the questions, and answer all the questions as a group the best we could to our knowledge. We shared those answers and had a good laugh about some of the answers while Sivin confirmed those answers and added on with the facts etc. It was a really good way to learn :) It was fun to begin with. Then it helps us to remember these questions and answers better. It also got everyone in on the action, not just one person speaking to everyone else nor was it just 2 people talking to themselves, leaving everyone out. It was everyone talking to everyone.

Although only 2 weeks into the new group, there is an air of optimism. It has given a few a sense of belonging, given one or two a sense of rejuvenation and generally just has excited us all. Here's to prayerfully, more to come...