URBANarmy: "... I got the barbecue out"

..."Evangelism is mission but mission is not merely evangelism" (Moltmann 1977)...."Mission is not a programme of the church but rather an attribute of God" (Bosch 1991).... "we are called to display what it means to be a colony of heaven mission embodies the total impact of the church on the world it's involvement with the social, political and moral life of the community and nation where it is placed" (Green 1990).... "The Church exists primarily for the sake of mission in the world. Mission is therefore the reason why the Church exists (Needham 1987).... "Mission comes first from the heart of God and we are caught up in it rather than initiating it (Bosch 1991)..."we seek to renew the face of the earth, all things and all peoples - that's mission" Archbishop Rowan Williams

Monday, August 15, 2011

"... I got the barbecue out"

"... I got the barbecue out" Wasn't really the answer I was expecting.

Conversations after church over a cup of tea are pretty always good. I like them! You get to connect, to share and to know each other. I had been doing well with Ron, his week hadn't been good workwise, carwise or in fact catwise. Suzy family pet for many years had died and I was being talked through the decision to cremate rather than bury. My pastoral face was caring and unshakeable.

".... Sorry to hear about your cat, so how does cremation for pets work?"
The answer asked intense questions of my pastoral face.

"Ron... You barbecued your dead cat? It must've taken ages...!"

"yeah... even after I stuffed her with fire lighters! ... we got there in the end, Marlene bought a new biscuit tin for the ashes..."
The pastoral face disappeared.
"Ron I don't want you taking this personally, don't be surprised if I don't come to a barbecue at your place!

Labels: Nunhead, People Stories

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: Name: Gordon; Location: United Kingdom

URBANarmy – are the thoughts and theological reflections of an insignificant Salvation Army officer trying to show true hope, grace, love and freedom in a significant way. URBANarmy -is a story of Missio Dei driving an all-encompassing grace-centred mission. URBANarmy – is an open compilation of lessons learned from day to day ministry, dialogue and reading. URBANarmy – is Gordon who finds total fulfillment in demonstrating the Kingdom of God. URBANarmy – is now the fusion and exploration of 'mission' and 'spiritual formation' while trying to inspire a new generation of Salvation Army Officers as to their role in God's plan for His creation.

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