Richard's gig in Cape Town

I received an email from Richard about Runner's gig in Cape in Cape Town: "Clear evidence that I really did go ministering over the weekend, and nothing asunder!" Check out the photos here.

He has also given me a CD of a live recording done at a party. He has nicknamed this recording "Pete's rough cuts" because he had flu on the day. Nevertheless it has become a firm favourite on our CD play list in the car. Wait till these guys get into the studio and do a serious recording!

Also on the CD are two solo worship tracks by Richard. These are songs written by him, that we sing in church. I will post some clips very soon.

Posted by Ryan @ 12:00 pm
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Return of the King

I had an afternoon off yesterday and went to see the Return of the King all by myself. Brilliant! Although I must say I am still trying to digest it all. A number of us are going to see it again tonight. I can’t wait.

Although the story is by no means overtly biblical, the symbolism and imagery always impact me in a powerfully spiritual way. Here is a quote from Thunderstruck's review of the movie:

Although his work does not preach a theological dogmatic, Tolkien did believe The Lord of the Rings to be a "fundamentally religious and Catholic work…The religious element is absorbed into the story and the symbolism." It extols the virtues of love, compassion, and longsuffering, while painting a very Christian-inspired vision of good and evil, as well as treachery, addiction, and greed.

C.S. Lewis, the author of The Chronicles of Narnia and Mere Christianity, credits Tolkien with helping him move from atheism to Christianity. In their literary group "The Inklings," Lewis and Tolkien met weekly to discuss myth, stories, and theology. "He was for long my only audience," Tolkien said of Lewis. "Only from him did I ever get the idea that my 'stuff' could be more than a private hobby."

I read another very interesting article on Thunderstruck about John Rhys-Davies, the actor who portrays Gimli the dwarf, and what he believes is the challenge for our generation in history.

Posted by Ryan @ 11:23 am
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Compromise and Sabbath rest

Last night was our last meeting for the Vincent homegroup for the year. For a while we have been studying the book of Nehemiah. We looked at chapter 9 and 10 yesterday.

One of the points of discussion centered around how Israel had compromised and sinned by ignoring the law and allowing the practices of the surrounding nations to become the norm. One of the interesting things for me was that Israel had slipped up in keeping the Sabbath. How should we respond today? I personally believe in having a Sabbath, but how practically should this work in our lives?

We further promise that if the people of the land should bring any merchandise or grain to be sold on the Sabbath or on any other holy day, we will refuse to buy it... Nehemiah 10v31 NLT

One example of how churches are contextualising this is Highway Community Church in East London who are probably going to be moving their Sunday Service to a Saturday night. This is so that they can a full day of rest on a Sunday. This is not a legalistic move, rather it is a practical one, so that their members can have a full days rest.

Another example comes from Glenda, who used to work with a lady who was a Seventh Day Adventist. They are very strict on their Sabbath observances and keep the Sabbath from sunset on a Friday through Saturday, as the Jews do. On Monday mornings her friend would always be full of energy and joy, while everyone else seemed to be sluggishly dragging themselves into work (I can relate to this). When asked why she was so "chirpy" she responded, "I actually rest over the weekend."

I know there are a lot of issues involved, but how, practically, should a Sabbath that is pleasing to God, look in our day and age?

Posted by Ryan @ 11:06 am
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Congratulations to Richard

Congratulations to Richard Stratford who this week heard that he passed his professional practice exam to be a registered Architect. Well done!! We celebrate with you.

He is off to Cape Town this weekend with his band, "Runner" for a Gig. It is good to see them getting more exposure. Pray for them.

Posted by Ryan @ 11:01 am
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Growing the church

On a personal note: Glenda is eight and a half weeks pregnant! I am really excited about the news, but also nervous. This will be our first child, so there are major adjustments on the way for us. I know it will be an immense blessing though. God is again stretching my faith, as we will have to trust God for provision.

During the AVC conference, which ran from 15 - 19 September this year, I had a word from God that we would soon have a child. I wasn't quite sure what to do with the word, so I kept it to myself, not even telling Glenda! So when asked if "it was planned", I say "not by us".

Posted by Ryan @ 10:47 am
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