Southpoint News September 16, 2018

Ebb and Flow

“There must time and space for ebb and flow in order for any sustainable life to manifest itself, like breathing or the movements of the tides.   Consider the Dead Sea, which is “dead” because it has no outflow, only intake, and so becomes too saturated with all the very minerals needed for life that it can no longer sustain life.  We too can become like that when we get into a defensive stance, retreating from what we perceive to be all the darkness in the world and responding with guarded insulation. Our posture of grace, truth, life and forgiveness is not simply a pushback to what we don’t like, but a free and out-flowing offering of  the beauty, power, and life we experience in the Trinity. It is freedom-based, not fear-based.”

Reflections on our Fall theme by Theresa Fryer

I so appreciated these reflections on our fall theme that Theresa shared with me via email. It deepened my own understanding of the theme, particularly the powerful image of the Dead Sea, and made me ask some important questions which I am exploring in prayer this week:

What are the “minerals” I am hoarding – those things I am quite happy to receive, but reluctant to share? 
 
What is my defensive stance, and how do I insulate myself from the world when it feels threatening? 
 
How does this block up the flow of love within me? 
 
As our fall theme builds momentum, I would love to hear your thoughts. I would love to create dialogue over the ideas we are exploring on Sunday morning. If you have questions or reflections, please share them with me.

Drawing Circles
As I read through your thirsts and desire for growth this past Sunday, it became apparent that there is a real thirst for God among us, and a thirst for communal connection.  I would love to hear more.

Last night at our leadership team meeting, someone expressed a desire to just BE TOGETHER inter-generationally in a relaxed informal way where conversation, laughter, and connection unfolds organically.  Like…a hike…or having a big backyard BBQ….or a night of just singing worship songs together, rather than some program that is heavy to maintain.

What would it look like for you to take your desires seriously? What form would they take? What circles could be drawn that allow people to come together, if only for a short time?

There is forever this tension at Southpoint.  We don’t want to be a program-driven church, but we long for deepening connection to God and to one another. And we need one another.  What if we began drawing circles rather than running programs?  Taking a hike is a circle. So is a night of worship. Or an artist guild. Or a back yard BBQ.  So is a time for quiet prayer. Or a lectio night.  What circles would you like to draw?  And who might like to join you? Maybe that is a better way forward, drawing circles rather than driving programs.

Love to hear your thoughts:) Keep them coming.

Set the Prisoners Free:
What does reconciliation between churches and Indigenous people look like, in an era when 38% of women in prison are Indigenous? How can we theologically frame this issue, stand alongside the affected, and be part of working for liberatory possibilities?

Healing at the Wounding Place and GCBC are putting on an event on Sept. 22 called “Set the Prisoners Free”, where we’ll wrestle with difficult truths and broaden our understanding as we hear directly from those who have suffered under incarceration, and build our capacity together to work towards justice for those most impacted.

This event is part of a journey at Grandview Calvary Baptist Church to respond to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC). We invite other people of faith and/or church communities to join us in our learning pursuit.
Childcare and lunch provided.
Tickets – $10-20, sliding scale, available online or at the door.

Digging in the Dirt:
A discussion starter geared towards young adults but open to all. As a small church, sometimes its good to make use of resourcees right in our backyard. LIFEAPP is an organization in Langley creating communal spaces for conversations about mportant topics. I would love to check it out and am looking for some company to go with me and rehash the experience afterwards over coffee. If you enjoy live music, food, conversation around relevant topics and are free Friday, Sep 21st, let me know:) What:  This is a monthly event hosted by LifeApp mixing something like a TED talk, a live band, an Oprah interview, and an after-party with some great food – creating an environment where anyone regardless of spiritual belief, cultural background or sexual orientation, is inspired to take action toward personal growth in their relationships at home, work, and in the community. When: Friday, September 21st, 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm. Where:  Chief Sepass Theatre, 9096 Trattle Street, Langley. F further information, check out www.lifeapp.ca/calendar/digginginthedirt2018

The Well: the artist guild of the Church at SouthpointIf you are ages 11-99 and would like the opportunity to create together based on the themes and stories of our Sunday morning worship services come down to Kingfisher Farm this Friday.   We’re going to explore God’s movement in our lives, our community and our world through visual art, music and drama.  We’ll meet the 2nd and 4th Fridays of September, October, and November, 7:30pm
No previous experience necessary – all levels welcome!
Please rsvp to Angela (angneufeld@gmail.com) this week so she knows who to expect.

Fall 2018 Ordinary Time
The Flow of Love: Where the Rubber Meets the Road

September 16th: The Beatitudes as Bridge”, Mt. 5:3-12
September 23rd:  ALL IN  + Pot Luck “Salt and Light” MT. 5:13-16
September 30th: “Blessed are the Poor in Spirit” Mt. 5:17-30 “I Can’t Do it On My Own”
October 7th: THANKSGIVING SUNDAY? ‘Holy Ground” “I am Grateful”
October 14th: “Blessed are those who mourn” Mt. 5:31-37 “I am Sorry”
October 21st “Blessed are the Meek”, Mt. 5:38-48  “Do I really want to Love?”
October 28th: ALL OUT – Gathering Groups “Blessed are those who Hunger for Righteousness”, Mt. 6:1-18 “Why am I doing this?” 
November 4th: “Blessed are the Pure in Heart” Mt. 6:19-24? “What do I desire?” 
November 11th: “Blessed are the Merciful” Mt. 7:1-12 “What if I let go of judgement?”
November 18th: “Blessed are the Peacemakers” Mt. 7:13-27 “Which is the way of peace?”
November 25th: Christ the King Sunday: ALL IN + POT LUCK – Advent Preparation (Please bring plenty of food to share at our Pot Luck!)

Just a Reminder…
We will be having  brief Voting Members Meeting immediately after our ALL IN service on Sunday, September 23rd, just before our potluck lunch. All church family members are welcome to attend.