Melbourne is a funny city – it hosts the annual International Comedy festival. But is comedy hard? Should we laugh? What about God – does he laugh? A hilarious exploration of comedy, God and how laughing is good for you.
Monthly Archives: April 2018
Visit a Mosque!
Around two thousand years ago the Apostle Peter got an invitation he couldn’t refuse. After all, if you have had a vision and the Holy Spirit is giving you step-by-step instructions on where to go and what to do, it is hard to say ‘No’.
But No is exactly what Peter wanted to say. When Peter arrives at Cornelius’ house he starts by announcing that as a Jew it is unlawful for him to associate with Gentiles. Even after staying with Jesus in a Samaritan village for a two days (Jn 4:40), Peter struggles to accept the Holy Spirit might be at work outside his religion – or that he might have to go outside his comfort zone to follow the Holy Spirit there. Finally Peter declares that ‘I truly understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.’ (Acts10:34)
Now it is our turn.
Like Peter you are getting an invitation you might want to say No to, an invitation to follow the Holy Spirit outside your comfort zone.
On Sunday 15 April Muslims around Victoria are inviting you to visit their mosques for the Victorian Mosque Open Day. If you are free, Go. Encourage other people from your church to go with you.
As Christians, Jesus calls us to love our neighbours as ourselves, and this includes loving our Muslim neighbours.
This means making friends with our Muslim neighbours and meeting them where they are – which means going down to your local mosque.
As well as a guided tour of the mosque and questions and answers about Islam you might be offered henna tattooing, a turn on the jumping castle, or a sausage sizzle.
Don’t be an anonymous Christian. The guided tour of the mosque is a good time to introduce yourself, explain that you are there as a friendly Christian, and give the name of the church you represent. Make no mistake – just turning up and being friendly will be a simple but powerful act of Christian witness.
When you go, show the same respect for your Muslim hosts you would like them to show if they visited your church.
Dress appropriately. This means long sleeves and long pants, or a long dress or skirt for females. Most mosques won’t require females to wear a head scarf in the mosque, but if they do, head scarves will be provided.
Here is a challenge: see if you can start a relationship that will continue past 15 April. Ramadan will start in May, and many mosques will hold community Ramadan dinners. Ask if there events you can attend.
May is also Global Interaction’s Mission Month. Heading down to a mosque to have a conversation and make friends is exactly what a Global Interaction Cross Cultural Worker overseas would do. What better preparation for May Mission Month than going to visit your local mosque here in Australia!
Participating mosques are:
Albanian Australian Islamic Society, 765 Drummond Street, Carlton 3053.
Benevolence Australia, 125 George Street, Doncaster East 3108.
Islamic Council of Victoria City Mosque, 66 Jeffcott Street, West Melbourne 3003.
Doncaster Mosque (UMMA Centre), 72 George Street, Doncaster East 3108
Elsedeaq Mosque, 32 Elliot Street, Heidelberg Heights 3081.
Emir Sultan Mosque, 139 Cleeland Street, Dandenong 3175.
Islamic Association of Monash Mosque, 16 Beddoe Avenue, Clayton 3168.
Islamic Society of Ballarat Mosque, 116 Elsworth Street East, Canadian 3350.
Preston Mosque, 90 Cramer Street, Preston 3072.
Quba Mosque (Serenity Foundation), 260 Hume Hwy, Craigieburn 3064.
Thomastown Mosque, 124 Station Street, Thomastown 3074.
Virgin Mary Mosque, 143A Hogans Road, Hoppers Crossing 3029.
Martin West is a member of Westgate Baptist Community.
Visit a Mosque!
Around two thousand years ago the Apostle Peter got an invitation he couldn’t refuse. After all, if you have had a vision and the Holy Spirit is giving you step-by-step instructions on where to go and what to do, it is hard to say ‘No’.
But No is exactly what Peter wanted to say. When Peter arrives at Cornelius’ house he starts by announcing that as a Jew it is unlawful for him to associate with Gentiles. Even after staying with Jesus in a Samaritan village for a two days (Jn 4:40), Peter struggles to accept the Holy Spirit might be at work outside his religion – or that he might have to go outside his comfort zone to follow the Holy Spirit there. Finally Peter declares that ‘I truly understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.’ (Acts10:34)
Now it is our turn.
Like Peter you are getting an invitation you might want to say No to, an invitation to follow the Holy Spirit outside your comfort zone.
On Sunday 15 April Muslims around Victoria are inviting you to visit their mosques for the Victorian Mosque Open Day. If you are free, Go. Encourage other people from your church to go with you.
As Christians, Jesus calls us to love our neighbours as ourselves, and this includes loving our Muslim neighbours.
This means making friends with our Muslim neighbours and meeting them where they are – which means going down to your local mosque.
As well as a guided tour of the mosque and questions and answers about Islam you might be offered henna tattooing, a turn on the jumping castle, or a sausage sizzle.
Don’t be an anonymous Christian. The guided tour of the mosque is a good time to introduce yourself, explain that you are there as a friendly Christian, and give the name of the church you represent. Make no mistake – just turning up and being friendly will be a simple but powerful act of Christian witness.
When you go, show the same respect for your Muslim hosts you would like them to show if they visited your church.
Dress appropriately. This means long sleeves and long pants, or a long dress or skirt for females. Most mosques won’t require females to wear a head scarf in the mosque, but if they do, head scarves will be provided.
Here is a challenge: see if you can start a relationship that will continue past 15 April. Ramadan will start in May, and many mosques will hold community Ramadan dinners. Ask if there events you can attend.
May is also Global Interaction’s Mission Month. Heading down to a mosque to have a conversation and make friends is exactly what a Global Interaction Cross Cultural Worker overseas would do. What better preparation for May Mission Month than going to visit your local mosque here in Australia!
Participating mosques are:
Albanian Australian Islamic Society, 765 Drummond Street, Carlton 3053.
Benevolence Australia, 125 George Street, Doncaster East 3108.
Islamic Council of Victoria City Mosque, 66 Jeffcott Street, West Melbourne 3003.
Doncaster Mosque (UMMA Centre), 72 George Street, Doncaster East 3108
Elsedeaq Mosque, 32 Elliot Street, Heidelberg Heights 3081.
Emir Sultan Mosque, 139 Cleeland Street, Dandenong 3175.
Islamic Association of Monash Mosque, 16 Beddoe Avenue, Clayton 3168.
Islamic Society of Ballarat Mosque, 116 Elsworth Street East, Canadian 3350.
Preston Mosque, 90 Cramer Street, Preston 3072.
Quba Mosque (Serenity Foundation), 260 Hume Hwy, Craigieburn 3064.
Thomastown Mosque, 124 Station Street, Thomastown 3074.
Virgin Mary Mosque, 143A Hogans Road, Hoppers Crossing 3029.
Martin West is a member of Westgate Baptist Community.
Source: BUV News
Visit a Mosque in May!
Around two thousand years ago the Apostle Peter got an invitation he couldn’t refuse. After all, if you have had a vision and the Holy Spirit is giving you step-by-step instructions on where to go and what to do, it is hard to say ‘No’.
But No is exactly what Peter wanted to say. When Peter arrives at Cornelius’ house he starts by announcing that as a Jew it is unlawful for him to associate with Gentiles. Even after staying with Jesus in a Samaritan village for a two days (Jn 4:40), Peter struggles to accept the Holy Spirit might be at work outside his religion – or that he might have to go outside his comfort zone to follow the Holy Spirit there. Finally Peter declares that ‘I truly understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.’ (Acts10:34)
Now it is our turn.
Like Peter you are getting an invitation you might want to say No to, an invitation to follow the Holy Spirit outside your comfort zone.
On Sunday 7 May Muslims around Victoria are inviting you to visit their mosques for the Victorian Mosque Open Day. If you are free, Go. Encourage other people from your church to go with you.
As Christians, Jesus calls us to love our neighbours as ourselves, and this includes loving our Muslim neighbours.
This means making friends with our Muslim neighbours and meeting them where they are – which means going down to your local mosque.
As well as a guided tour of the mosque and questions and answers about Islam you might be offered henna tattooing, a turn on the jumping castle, or a sausage sizzle.
Don’t be an anonymous Christian. The guided tour of the mosque is a good time to introduce yourself, explain that you are there as a friendly Christian, and give the name of the church you represent. Make no mistake – just turning up and being friendly will be a simple but powerful act of Christian witness.
When you go, show the same respect for your Muslim hosts you would like them to show if they visited your church.
Dress appropriately. This means long sleeves and long pants, or a long dress or skirt for females. Most mosques won’t require females to wear a head scarf in the mosque, but if they do, head scarves will be provided.
Here is a challenge: see if you can start a relationship that will continue past May 7. Ramadan will start in May, and many mosques will hold community Ramadan dinners. Ask if there events you can attend.
May is also Global Interaction’s Mission Month. Heading down to a mosque to have a conversation and make friends is exactly what a Global Interaction Cross Cultural Worker overseas would do. What better preparation for May Mission Month than going to visit your local mosque here in Australia!
Participating mosques are:
Albanian Australian Islamic Society, 765 Drummond Street, Carlton 3053.
Benevolence Australia, 125 George Street, Doncaster East 3108.
Islamic Council of Victoria City Mosque, 66 Jeffcott Street, West Melbourne 3003.
Doncaster Mosque (UMMA Centre), 72 George Street, Doncaster East 3108
Elsedeaq Mosque, 32 Elliot Street, Heidelberg Heights 3081.
Emir Sultan Mosque, 139 Cleeland Street, Dandenong 3175.
Islamic Association of Monash Mosque, 16 Beddoe Avenue, Clayton 3168.
Islamic Society of Ballarat Mosque, 116 Elsworth Street East, Canadian 3350.
Preston Mosque, 90 Cramer Street, Preston 3072.
Quba Mosque (Serenity Foundation), 260 Hume Hwy, Craigieburn 3064.
Thomastown Mosque, 124 Station Street, Thomastown 3074.
Virgin Mary Mosque, 143A Hogans Road, Hoppers Crossing 3029.
Martin West is a member of Westgate Baptist Community.
Source: BUV News
Does God have a sense of humour?
Melbourne is a funny city. It hosts the annual International Comedy festival. Funny people saying funny things. But what about God? Does God share in this humour? Join us for a hilarious exploration of some big questions of God, comedy, and the meaning of life.
NewHope Medical Opens it's Doors
Exciting news! NewHope medical practice has opened its doors to patients offering the highest quality GP care, pathology, and counselling services.
This creative initiative shows the value of partnership, a commitment to the wellbeing of neighbours, and a vision for mission. We’re deeply grateful for NewHope pioneering this important expression of community engagement and for leading the way in connecting the life of a church with professional medical care. This new centre connects seamlessly with other services needed in our communities (such as a food pantries, debt management advice, parenting help, friendly mentoring, learning English as a second language, and support during the process of seeking asylum).
The NewHope Medical practice is an initiative of NewHope Baptist Church and NewHope Community Care Inc. recognising that a medical centre would provide a doorway and add value in service to the community. Doctors, especially GPs, are often the first port of call for many people facing life challenges today, be they physical or otherwise. Situated amongst the many communities, programs and services of NewHope Baptist Church (newhope.net.au) and NewHope Community Care (newhopecare.net.au) the team has much to offer those seeking health and wellbeing, belonging and community.
Check out the website to learn more – www.newhopemedical.com.au
Source: BUV News
NewHope Medical Opens it’s Doors
Exciting news! NewHope medical practice has opened its doors to patients offering the highest quality GP care, pathology, and counselling services.
This creative initiative shows the value of partnership, a commitment to the wellbeing of neighbours, and a vision for mission. We’re deeply grateful for NewHope pioneering this important expression of community engagement and for leading the way in connecting the life of a church with professional medical care. This new centre connects seamlessly with other services needed in our communities (such as a food pantries, debt management advice, parenting help, friendly mentoring, learning English as a second language, and support during the process of seeking asylum).
The NewHope Medical practice is an initiative of NewHope Baptist Church and NewHope Community Care Inc. recognising that a medical centre would provide a doorway and add value in service to the community. Doctors, especially GPs, are often the first port of call for many people facing life challenges today, be they physical or otherwise. Situated amongst the many communities, programs and services of NewHope Baptist Church (newhope.net.au) and NewHope Community Care (newhopecare.net.au) the team has much to offer those seeking health and wellbeing, belonging and community.
Check out the website to learn more – www.newhopemedical.com.au
The narrow way
Four false trails that will lead you away from Jesus’ ‘narrow way’ that leads to fullness of life
Visiting scholar stimulates discussion on culture, ethnicity and race
Visiting scholar to ACU from the United States, Dr Korie Edwards, challenged colleagues from diverse religious organisations to distinguish between ideas of culture, ethnicity and race. Leading scholar of race and religion, Dr Edwards heads a national study of multiracial church pastors called The Religious Leadership and Diversity Project (www.rldp.net) in the USA, the most in-depth, comprehensive project conducted on leaders of multiracial congregations and is also President of the Society for the Scientific Study of Religion.
“Australia is a multicultural nation, and has among the highest proportions of multicultural local churches in the world” noted Dr Ruth Powell, Director of NCLS Research. “In contrast to the USA, where multicultural churches make up an estimated 14% of all churches, in Australia, our latest estimates are that 23% of Australian Christian congregations can be defined as multicultural. The Catholic Church stands out with around half (51%) of all Australian parishes being multicultural.” Dr Powell continued, “While cultural diversity in churches is a strength, it is critical that both church leaders and scholars continue to engage with underlying systemic issues, including the importance of diverse leadership.”
The visit, co-hosted by NCLS Research and the Australian Catholic University Institute of Religion and Critical Inquiry, included a research colloquium for academics and researchers, as well as a practical workshop for church leaders. Presentations featured Dr Edwards, Dr Powell and Ms Oneya Okuwobi, visiting PhD student and author of resources on fostering multicultural congregations.
Research event into cultural diversity and churches
The research colloquium on March 14, brought together scholars interested in ethnicity and religion and highlighted 2016 National Church Life Survey datasets available for future analysis. “Survey forms were provided in 10 different languages and our datasets now have around 80, 000 church attenders born outside of Australia, including 56,000 respondents from non-English-speaking backgrounds,” said Dr Powell. “We hope to stimulate new research among scholars and students in the field of cultural diversity and churches.”
To foster community engagement, a church leader workshop was held on Harmony Day, March 21, and was attended by church leaders from both Catholic and Protestant churches, representing various cultural backgrounds. In addition to keynote addresses about the latest research, participants joined roundtable discussions to explore the role of the ‘safe spaces’ that mono-ethnic churches can create, tips to transition to being a multicultural church, and different models of diverse church life used across denominations. Rev Charissa Suli, Uniting Church Assembly National Consultant, said “Thank you for organising a much needed event for our Church!”
A multicultural church
It was shown from the 2016 National Church Life Survey results, that more than a third of Australian church attenders (36%) were born overseas, one of the most dramatic increases in the churchgoing population (up from 28% in 2006). Of those born overseas, some 27% of churchgoers were born in a non-English speaking country, which is higher than in the general Australian population (22%).
NCLS Research Director, Dr Ruth Powell said “These latest figures demonstrate that Australian churches, now more than ever, need to be engaged in discussion around how best to be inclusive and empowering of attenders from diverse cultural backgrounds.”
Materials presented at the colloquium and workshop are available on the NCLS Research website http://ncls.org.au/news/cultural-diversity-research-event
Visiting scholar stimulates discussion on culture, ethnicity and race
Visiting scholar to ACU from the United States, Dr Korie Edwards, challenged colleagues from diverse religious organisations to distinguish between ideas of culture, ethnicity and race. Leading scholar of race and religion, Dr Edwards heads a national study of multiracial church pastors called The Religious Leadership and Diversity Project (www.rldp.net) in the USA, the most in-depth, comprehensive project conducted on leaders of multiracial congregations and is also President of the Society for the Scientific Study of Religion.
“Australia is a multicultural nation, and has among the highest proportions of multicultural local churches in the world” noted Dr Ruth Powell, Director of NCLS Research. “In contrast to the USA, where multicultural churches make up an estimated 14% of all churches, in Australia, our latest estimates are that 23% of Australian Christian congregations can be defined as multicultural. The Catholic Church stands out with around half (51%) of all Australian parishes being multicultural.” Dr Powell continued, “While cultural diversity in churches is a strength, it is critical that both church leaders and scholars continue to engage with underlying systemic issues, including the importance of diverse leadership.”
The visit, co-hosted by NCLS Research and the Australian Catholic University Institute of Religion and Critical Inquiry, included a research colloquium for academics and researchers, as well as a practical workshop for church leaders. Presentations featured Dr Edwards, Dr Powell and Ms Oneya Okuwobi, visiting PhD student and author of resources on fostering multicultural congregations.
Research event into cultural diversity and churches
The research colloquium on March 14, brought together scholars interested in ethnicity and religion and highlighted 2016 National Church Life Survey datasets available for future analysis. “Survey forms were provided in 10 different languages and our datasets now have around 80, 000 church attenders born outside of Australia, including 56,000 respondents from non-English-speaking backgrounds,” said Dr Powell. “We hope to stimulate new research among scholars and students in the field of cultural diversity and churches.”
To foster community engagement, a church leader workshop was held on Harmony Day, March 21, and was attended by church leaders from both Catholic and Protestant churches, representing various cultural backgrounds. In addition to keynote addresses about the latest research, participants joined roundtable discussions to explore the role of the ‘safe spaces’ that mono-ethnic churches can create, tips to transition to being a multicultural church, and different models of diverse church life used across denominations. Rev Charissa Suli, Uniting Church Assembly National Consultant, said “Thank you for organising a much needed event for our Church!”
A multicultural church
It was shown from the 2016 National Church Life Survey results, that more than a third of Australian church attenders (36%) were born overseas, one of the most dramatic increases in the churchgoing population (up from 28% in 2006). Of those born overseas, some 27% of churchgoers were born in a non-English speaking country, which is higher than in the general Australian population (22%).
NCLS Research Director, Dr Ruth Powell said “These latest figures demonstrate that Australian churches, now more than ever, need to be engaged in discussion around how best to be inclusive and empowering of attenders from diverse cultural backgrounds.”
Materials presented at the colloquium and workshop are available on the NCLS Research website http://ncls.org.au/news/cultural-diversity-research-event
Source: BUV News