Keeping Traditions

Lat night an important Broken Hill Cornerstone tradition was once again upheld by a new group of disciples. We jumped in the bus clutching sausages and bread (and tomato sauce!) and attempted to race the setting sun out to Silverton. As per many years of tradition we managed to finish eating just as the sun set over the dusty grounds of Penrose park. Having consumed many sausages a quick game of soccer/volleyball (quite a feat in near complete darkness) was underatken with relatively few injuries. It is believed that Mawson managed to hit himself in the face with the ball.
Despite the fact it was now almost pitch black we refused to admit defeat and headed out to view the magnificent vista of the Mundi Mundi plains, by moonlight. This was not a rousing success despite Janie and Mawson's spirited descriptions of the vast beauty of the empty plain. We did manage to catch a glimpse of current Pinnacles mining activities!
The highlight of the entire trip would have to be the rousing vocal activity undertaken on the return journey. From Les Miserables to Lion King with detours via Crowded House, Rich Mullins and Zimbabwe we sang our way home - possibly to distract ourselves from Mawson's adventurous driving. The amount of talent in our community at the moment is staggering and it was exhilarating to be with a group of men and women enjoying each other and God's creation.
Tradition is a wonderful thing, but one day I would like to see the sunset!

Pledge Night 2008

It is great to celebrate. Even better to celebrate things that are significant and meaningful in people's lives. Creating a space for the sacred in the busyness of life. Last night we had our pledge night for 2008, where 8 new disciples committed themselves to the year ahead. An awesome meal was prepared by Mim and Janie comprising of roast pork, prawns and great salads. We dined in semi-formal dress (note the ties) in the formal outdoor entertaining area (a.k.a. beer garden). A time of sharing and commitment followed, where we each lit a candle as a symbol of our committment to God, discipleship, and to each other.
What impressed me most during the night was hearing each person share about what it meant
for them personally to commit this year and the things that they were committing themselves to. It felt as though angels were celebrating in heaven as each person made that step in faith to commit themselves to whatever God had in store for them this year. In this day and age commitments are made all too infrequently. It was great to see a bucketful of commitment tonight.
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us through off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus the author and perfector of our faith..." Heb 12:1-2